Creatine and androstenedione are supplements marketed for their purported ability to enhance athletic performance by promoting muscle growth. Despite claims, neither supplement has been shown to be particularly effective. In fact, androstendione is categorized as a potentially dangerous controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration. Since supplements may interact with other medications or have serious side effects, do not take them without first consulting your health care provider.
Creatine
Proteins in the human body are composed of small building blocks called amino acids. One of these building blocks, creatine, is produced by the liver, pancreas and kidneys. It is also available from dietary sources including meat and seafood. Creatine is stored by the muscles in the form of phosphocreatine and is a primary source of energy for muscle contraction during high-intensity exercise.
Creatine Use
Creatine supplements are marketed for their supposed ability to improve athletic performance and increase lean muscle mass. Creatine may improve athletic strength and lean muscle mass during short bursts of intense exercise, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, creatine does not appear to improve performance in endurance exercises such as cycling. Creatine is generally considered safe, but can be dangerous when taken in high doses. Excess creatine may cause kidney damage and inhibit the body's natural production of this amino acid.
Androstenedione
Androstenedione is produced naturally in the body by the ovaries, testes and adrenal glands. Once it is released into the bloodstream, androstenedione is converted into the two sex hormones -- testosterone and estrogen. Androstenedione is considered an anabolic steroid precursor because, although it does not itself enhance muscle growth, it is converted into a hormone -- testosterone -- which does.
Androstenedione Use
In 2004 the Anabolic Steroid Control Act labeled androstenedione and 17 other steroids as controlled substances that cannot be used without a prescription. Despite claims of enhanced athletic performance, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that androstenedione will increase muscle mass. Furthermore, there are serious side effects associated with the long-term use of androstenedione, including impotence, shrinking testicles, development of breast tissue in men, male pattern baldness in women, blood clots, early onset of puberty and inhibited growth in youth.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: FDA Warning on Androstenedione (Andro)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers: Androstenedione
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Creatine
- Rice University; Creatine Supplementation in Athletes: Review; Mark Jenkins, M.D.; 1999
- Rice University; Androstenedione; 1999
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