Creatine Ban for Teens: When Good Intentions Collide with Bad Science
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today I'm tackling something that has me seriously concerned as both a scientist and health advocate.
Our latest Kickback Science podcast episode—dropping tomorrow with Dr. Richard Kreider—dives into a controversial proposal that could have major implications for adolescent health. Spoiler alert: lawmakers are trying to ban teens from accessing creatine supplements, and the science suggests this is a terrible idea.
The Proposed Ban: What's Happening?
A bill is currently advancing that would make selling supplements to anyone under 18 illegal—complete with ID checks, online verification requirements, and $500 fines for violations. The target? Weight loss and muscle-building products, including creatine.
Yes, creatine—the naturally occurring compound your body already produces on its own and that exists in every cell of your body. Meanwhile, ultra-processed foods, sugary sodas, and caffeine-loaded energy drinks remain perfectly accessible to teens. Make it make sense.
Why Scientists Are Raising Red Flags
The International Society of Sports Nutrition just released a comprehensive statement that should make lawmakers pause. This isn't just another supplement we're talking about—it's a nutrient that plays critical roles in development.
The science shows that low dietary creatine intake correlates with slower growth, higher body fat, and poorer cognitive development in adolescents. Creatine supplementation has demonstrated benefits for pregnancy, infancy, immune function, heart health, brain function, and more.
Perhaps most telling: in over 680 clinical trials spanning decades—including studies using doses up to 30g daily for 14 years—no significant adverse effects have been observed. That safety profile is better than most prescription medications!
The Unintended Consequences
I understand the intention behind supplement regulation. Many products contain untested ingredients or make unsubstantiated claims. Protecting developing bodies makes sense.
But by restricting access to creatine, we might actually be causing harm. Many adolescents don't get enough creatine through diet alone (especially those following plant-based diets), and supplementation can help fill this crucial gap.
The problem isn't regulation itself but the lack of nuance. We need evidence-based policies that distinguish between beneficial, well-researched nutrients and truly concerning compounds.
Hear From the Expert
Tomorrow I'm releasing my conversation with Dr. Richard Kreider from Texas A&M University—one of the world's leading creatine researchers and a contributor to the ISSN position stand. With over 400 published studies and $12 million in research funding, he's the definitive voice on how this compound affects human health.
In our conversation, we explore:
How creatine supports pregnancy and fetal development
The role of creatine in children's growth and cognitive function
Promising research on creatine for disease prevention
Why restricting creatine access could have serious developmental consequences
Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or someone who cares about science-based policy, this episode will completely transform your understanding of nutrition's role in development.
For those wanting to dive deeper, visit creatineforhealth.com for resources from Dr. Kreider, or check out the upcoming Creatine Conference 2025 in Germany where researchers are advancing our understanding of this remarkable nutrient.
Here's to making policy decisions based on science rather than speculation!
