By Katie Gauthier
A recent report linking creatine, a popular training supplement, to cancer has not stopped several Centretown health stores from selling the product to athletes.
The report, published recently by France’s Food Safety Agency, says the health risks associated with creatine supplements have not been sufficiently evaluated.
Creatine, which is found in the supplements, is an amino acid produced by the liver and kidneys that supplies energy to the body’s muscles.
However, many athletes are loading up with creatine supplements to gain extra energy,andincrease muscle bulk.
The report states that abnormally high-levels of creatine in the body lead to a potential cancer risk for long-term users of the product. Muscle cramping, dehydration, digestive problems, water retention, and kidney damage are some other serious side-effects, according to the report.
As a result, the reports urges other countries and sport organizations to follow France and declare creatine a banned substance.
But creatine is still available over the counter in Canada and many Centretown health stores have not pulled the product off the shelves. Several store-owners did not want to comment on the report or its findings.
“I am aware of the report and not really surprised by its findings,” says Travis Smith, a manager-in-training at The Supplement Shop, located on Rideau Street.
“Studies are always being done on the causes of cancer,” he says. “Past studies have found products such as aspartame and sweeteners as cancer causing (agents).”
Smith says followup studies must be done before his shop takes creatine off its shelves. But he says he “seriously doubts” that any study will stop people from taking creatine.
“It works too well,” says Smith. “Creatine will be available as long as there is a demand for it.
“People drink coffee every day and it has been proven unhealthy. I can’t imagine stores taking coffee off their shelves.”
Smith says creatine is one of The Supplement Shop’s best-sellers and costs about $40 for a 1,250 gram-bottle. He says it is most popular among 18 to 26 year-old males.
“Young guys use creatine because it has immediate gains,” he says. “They are interested in what will make them the biggest, the fastest.”
Centretown athlete Brandon Deaves agrees.
Deaves, 23, says he started using creatine in order to become bigger and stronger for hockey.
“I noticed an immediate increase in muscle size and strength,” he says. “It definitely gave me the extra edge that I was looking for.”
Deaves says he experienced “mild” side effects.
“I was definitely more irritable, he says. “If people got on my nerves I would snap at them right away.”
Deaves, who frequents health stores, says he was surprised when informed of the French report’s findings.
“I guess anything and everything is linked to causing cancer nowadays,” he says, adding that he will “definitely think twice” before starting a new cycle of creatine.
Lynn LeSage, Health Canada spokeswoman, says the government is interested in the report.
“We will take a good look at the report, she says. “If we find any valid scientific evidence that shows that there is a risk with creatine, we will take appropriate action.”
Deaves says regulating the use of creatine would be difficult. He says even 15-year-old players on the hockey team he coaches know about creatine.
“When it comes down to it, athletes want to win,” says Deaves. “They have to choose whether the benefits of winning are worth the health risks.”
The report adds that athletes receive little benefit from using creatine supplements.
It also states that increased muscle bulk resulting from the use of creatine is largely caused by water retention and that gains in strength, speed and endurance are unfounded.