Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Submission Date

4-26-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (BSHN)

First Mentor

Andrea Charvet, Ph.D.

Keywords

supplements, muscle mass, wrestlers, teens, teenagers

Abstract

Creatine is commonly used among the adolescent athletic population. The prevalence rates are higher for anaerobic sports, for example, wrestling, football, and hockey. While creatine is a supplement of choice for many young athletes, its effects on performance are not well researched. Though studies point toward it being effective and safe, with few negative side effects documented, further analysis is needed to ensure it will not affect teens’ development. Therefore, this study aims to examine how creatine supplementation by high school athletes affects muscle development and its safety. Distributing creatine supplements to youth raises ethical concerns. Therefore, this study will be done by recruiting 20 high school athletes participating in wrestling who currently use creatine as a means of enhancing their performance and observing the supplement’s effects. Then 20 additional high school students who do not take creatine supplements will be recruited as a control group. Their muscle development and performance will be measured over a period of eight weeks, and any side effects reported by participants, such as muscle cramps, muscle strains, and dehydration, will be recorded. The results of this study will be used to design nutrition interventions for young athletes.

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