No studies show the long-term effects of the supplements on teens. At best, a handful of studies are available on short-term creatine use by teens. We do not know if these supplements have any effect on the growth and development of teens. A 1999 survey conducted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association of 1,103 kids in grades six-12 showed that kids get the supplements primarily from stores, then from friends or teammates. The company will launch a more detailed follow-up study in July.
Some parents buy the supplements for the kids at the instruction of coaches.
Some teens buy them through Internet sites, at supplement specialty stores and through advertisements in magazines or through coaches, said Otis. A. Coaches should not be recommending supplements to their teams, Otis said. And remember, parents can say no. But that may not stop a teen from getting access to a supplement. A parent should arrange a meeting that includes the parents, the teen, the family physician or a sports medicine physician and a sports nutritionist.