Quick answer

NIH says that in most cases only adults should use performance supplements, a group that includes creatine. The ISSN position stand takes a more permissive view for supervised teen athletes, under four conditions, and calls under-18 label warnings a legal precaution. Studies in young people are limited. Ask your doctor before a teen uses creatine.^1,2

Key facts

NIH says in most cases only adults should use performance supplements. It cites the American Academy of Pediatrics as stating that they do not raise teen athletes' abilities beyond what proper nutrition and training give them.¹
NIH also says much supplement research is in young healthy men, not teenagers, and that teens should talk to an expert before using a performance supplement.¹
The ISSN position stand calls creatine acceptable for child and adolescent athletes in serious, supervised training with a balanced diet and no more than recommended amounts.²
The ISSN says label warnings against use under age 18 are a legal precaution. The stand was funded by a supplement trade association.²
A 2021 review found studies in teen athletes limited in scope, with no adverse events reported, and less known in young people than in adults.³

What NIH says about teens and performance supplements

NIH's consumer fact sheet on exercise and athletic performance supplements is the most cautious source here. It says teenagers should talk to an expert before taking any performance supplement, and that much of the research behind these products is done in young healthy men and not in teenagers.¹

It closes with a plain statement: in most cases, only adults should use performance supplements. It adds that the American Academy of Pediatrics states these supplements do not raise teen athletes' abilities beyond what proper nutrition and training deliver. NIH's health professional sheet notes the Academy's review found protein, creatine and caffeine were the ingredients most used by teens, and that many teens not in organized sport used them to change their appearance.^1,4

What the ISSN position stand says, and who wrote it

The International Society of Sports Nutrition takes a more permissive view. Its position stand says creatine supplementation in child and adolescent athletes is acceptable if proper precautions and supervision are provided, and it names four conditions. The athlete should be in serious, supervised, competitive training, eat a well-balanced diet, know how to use creatine appropriately and stay within recommended amounts.²

The stand also says that label warnings against use under age 18 are a legal precaution rather than a scientific finding, and it reports no evidence of a health risk at recommended amounts in people under 18. Read it with its origin in mind: it is a society's position, and it was funded by a supplement trade association.²

What studies in young people cover

A 2021 review of creatine in children and adolescents says the studies in teen athletes are limited in scope. They generally report no adverse events, but less is known about children and adolescents than about adults. Its authors say they were paid for preparing it by the sponsor of the journal issue, the company Alzchem, and that they consult for companies that sell dietary ingredients.³

Some research cited in the ISSN stand used creatine in children with rare inherited creatine deficiencies, under medical care and at doses set for them. That is a different situation from a teen taking a sports supplement.²

Side effects NIH lists, and what is not broken out for teens

Weight gain of about 1 to 2 kg in the first month, largely water held in muscle; it comes on faster with loading⁴

Nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset have been reported by some users.⁴

NIH's list does not give separate figures for teens. A doctor can look at a teen's growth, weight, diet and any medicines before deciding what fits.⁴

Who should ask their doctor

Ask your doctor before a teen takes creatine, and bring the product label. NIH advises care in giving any supplement to a child unless a health care provider recommends it, because many have not been well tested in children. A doctor should also hear about kidney problems, any other supplements and any medicines.^1,5

Questions people ask

Is creatine safe for teens in the UK, Canada or Australia?

This page uses US sources: NIH and the ISSN position stand. It does not report what health agencies in the UK, Canada or Australia say, so check those or ask your doctor.^1,2

Is creatine safe for teens in 2025?

The newest sources checked are the 2021 review and the 2017 ISSN position stand, plus NIH sheets last updated in 2021 and 2024. This page was reviewed in October 2026, and the sources checked include no newer statement.^2,3,4

Is creatine safe for teens, according to Reddit?

This page does not summarize forum posts, which are not studies. It reports NIH, the ISSN position stand and a 2021 review, which disagree in tone about teen use.^1,2

Why do creatine labels say under 18 should not take it?

The ISSN position stand says such warnings are a legal precaution. NIH separately says in most cases only adults should use performance supplements, so ask your doctor.^1,2

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Sources

This page is information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.