On any given day, a student athlete could walk into a trainers or coaches office holding up a bottle and ask "Hey coach, does this stuff work?" This young athlete, playing three sports a year, is referring to the dietary supplement called creatine. This, and many more products, are becoming more and more popular these days among high school student-athletes. These young men and, quite possibly young women, are using this supplement without realizing the possible benefits and hazards that follow in consuming such products.

Most students who take creatine, do so in hopes of improving athletic performance, increasing overall body and muscle mass, and improving endurance and body building. While thoughts of taking dietary supplements may seem only beneficial, the aftermath of these products may be very risky. There are no definite risks and effectiveness of creatine and other products remain unproven.

Creatine is not an herb, vitamin, or hormone. It is a natural nutrient found in our bodies and the bodies of most animals. Approximately ninety five percent of the bodies creatine supply is found in the skeletal muscles. The remaining five percent is found scattered throughout

the body with main focuses in the heart, brain, and testes. The human body gets most of the creatine it needs from food or dietary supplements. Creatine is easily absorbed by the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. When dietary consumption is inadequate to meet the bodies needs, a limited supply can be synthesized from the amino acids arginine glycine, and methionine. This creatine production occurs in the liver pancreas and kidneys. Creatine is a naturally produced substance in the body, produced by the liver. Joined by the kidney's and the pancreas, they play a role in muscle contraction. When taken as a supplement, creatine can cause water retention and cramping. Many cases have been reported that young students have died because of kidney failure and heart attacks caused by the usage of creatine. Creatine supplementation has been shown to enhance the ability to maintain power output during repeated periods of high intensity exercise. Athletes in virtually every sport have reported improved athletic performance. For instance, greater home run production by baseball players, increased strength and power by football players, faster times by sprinters, and longer lasting energy with basketball players. When used properly, most athletes will experience a significant increase in strength and power. But, who is to say that every athlete will use creatine properly and the affects on someone who d

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