Can an 18 year old take creatine?
Robert Clark
Published Jan 09, 2026
The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends against its use by adolescents, and most of the flavored powders, tablets, energy bars and drink mixes containing creatine bear warning labels that the supplement is not recommended for anyone under 18.
What age can you use creatine?
Children: Creatine is possibly safe when taken by mouth, short-term. Creatine 3-5 grams daily for 2-6 months has been taken safely in children 5-18 years of age. Creatine 2 grams daily for 6 months has been taken safely in children 2-5 years of age.Is creatine safe for a teenager?
No, creatine is not safe for teens. The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends against the use of creatine in adolescents. Some research shows that it can harm the kidneys. Other possible side effects of this performance-enhancing supplement include dehydration, stomach pains, and muscle cramps.Why do you have to be 18 to get creatine?
The minimum age for taking creatine supplements is 18. Because so little is known about the long-term effects of creatine, it's not recommended for children and teens under the age of 18. For this group, it's better to improve sports performance through nutrition and athletic training.How much creatine should a teenager take?
A loading dose of 0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for 5 -7 days is commonly used when starting creatine supplementation.8 Questions About Creatine Answered | Jose Antonio, Ph.D.
Can I take creatine at 17?
Metzl, MD, tells WebMD that the American College of Sports Medicine has recommended that people 18 and younger should not use creatine.Can creatine make you taller?
Creatine will not stunt your growth. Quite the opposite, creatine will promote and support growth by helping to strengthen and repair muscles. Creatine is not a drug and is completely legal.Who shouldnt take creatine?
Creatine isn't recommended for people with kidney or liver disease, or diabetes. Others who should avoid taking it are children under age 18 and women who are pregnant or nursing.Is creatine a drug?
Creatine is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.Should you take creatine as a beginner?
Yes, beginners should definitely take creatine. Creatine is the most researched gym supplement that exists. It will safely make you stronger, build muscle and give you more training energy, so long as you are training hard and following a balanced diet.Can creatine cause hair loss?
In summary, the current body of evidence does not indicate that creatine supplementation increases total testosterone, free testosterone, DHT or causes hair loss/baldness.What are the side effects of creatine?
Depending on who you ask, the suggested side effects of creatine may include:
- kidney damage.
- liver damage.
- kidney stones.
- weight gain.
- bloating.
- dehydration.
- muscle cramps.
- digestive concerns.