Many promoters of creatine believe there is no need to study the possible negative effects because creatine is a substance found naturally in the body. The problem is supplementation increases creatine levels within the muscles to unnaturally high amounts. The problem is supplementation increases creatine levels within the muscles to unnaturally high amounts. Creatine supplements, like most other food supplements, are unregulated nutritional supplements. Consumers have to be sure they have accurate information about supplements before purchasing them.
Creatine supplements are unregulated nutritional supplements.
Dr. Joseph Buckwalter, the University of Iowa's Football Team Physician, has been monitoring and studying the use of creatine by University of Iowa athletes for the past two years. An analysis of creatine's effectiveness in building muscle and improving recovery time has not been too encouraging. The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports believes more research must be done to determine what negative effects, if any, might result from long-term creatine supplementation. Until that research is completed, the Committee discourages its use. The Committee does not believe athletics department staff should endorse any nutritional product purporting to improve student-athletes' athletic performance.