Creatine Versus Anabolic Steroids
Over the past few years, many athletes have been using performance-enhancing supplements on a regular basis. Two of the most widely known and used supplements are creatine and anabolic steroids. Although both of these supplements are well known in the sports world, they are different in the positive, the negative, and the long-term effects they have on their users. Creatine is a fairly new supplement that can have some very positive effects on a person’s physical appearance. The main function of creatine is to help provide the energy needed to move muscles in the body. It is a naturally occurring nutrient, and it is usually found in muscles (Sahelian 1). Creatine enlarges muscles with a creatine-rich fluid, which causes the muscles to move less, while being able to lift more weight than normal (Smeets 2). According to
Dr. George Sotiropoulos, “its beneficial effects have only been noticed in high-intensity, shortduration, repetitive sports, such as track and field or weightlifting, with no benefit in aerobic events” (qtd. in Johnson 1). Most people who take creatine notice an increase in muscle size as well as an improvement in strength. This size increase is attributed to both water preservation as well as an increase in the amalgamation of proteins (Sahelian 1).
The use of creatine has a number of people reporting a variety of negative effects. Those effects consist of headaches, clenched teeth, and stomach cramps, as well as the likelihood of high blood pressure. Creatine also produces an offshoot called creatinine, which when detected
Hester 2 in the blood, is generally considered an indication of kidney troubles (Smeets). Other users of creatine have reported side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cramping. Also, a few cases of exertional compartment syndrome have been diagnosed. According