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Substances: Creatine

Creatine is a natural compound synthesised by amino acids in the kidney. It is also a normal component of diet derived from meat, fish and poultry.

Creatine plays a key role in the replenishment of anaerobic energy stores. Ninety-five per cent of the body's creatine stores are found in skeletal muscle. The energy for muscle contraction comes from adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). After ATP is used, it must be regenerated from phosphocreatine stores during intense, brief exercise. Creatine must be available to replenish phosphocreatine stores.

There is consistent evidence that creatine supplementation may help replenish and increase phosphocreatine stores to delay the onset of fatigue during intense exercise, as well as reduce recovery time between maximal bouts of exercise.

From the research conducted, creatine benefits appear to be specific to certain athletes and in certain situations.

Side effects

Athletes using creatine usually experience immediate weight gain of 1-2kgs, most likely due to the increase of fluid stores.

There have been anecdotal reports of muscle cramps, tightness and tears. This could be due to the increased water retention in skeletal muscle, however there is no direct evidence linking creatine use and muscle dysfunction.

Individuals with impaired kidney function that use creatine may be at risk due to the increased creatine delivery to the kidney for excretion.

A widely reported literature review by a French agency claimed that creatine supplementation can cause cancer. There is no scientific evidence to support this.

A major risk with creatine supplementation is the possible contamination of some creatine preparations. To date there is no evidence that pure creatine supplementation poses problems in healthy people.

Status in Sport

Creatine in its pure form is permitted in sport.  It is not listed under the World Anti-Doping Code 2007 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07). 

Vitamin, herbal and nutritional supplements

ASADA cannot determine the status of supplement products in sport.  Due to their multi-ingredient nature, supplements are considered to present more risk to athletes than registered pharmaceutical products - therefore ASADA is unable to accurately determine the status of any supplement product.

There is a risk that supplements may contain impurities, such as ingredients that are not listed on the label, which could cause a positive test.  A 2001 International Olympic Committee study reported nearly 15 percent of supplement products tested (all non-Australian products) contained substances not labelled that would result in a positive test.

Use of supplement products is at an athlete's own risk.

 

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