CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION PATTERNS AMONG SELECT DIVISION I ATHLETES

While investigations regarding creatine's effectiveness as an ergogenic aid are increasing, limited information exists regarding this dietary supplement outside controlled research settings. The purpose of this study was to determine creatine supplementation patterns among select NCAA DI athletes. Specifically, male athletes ages 18–26, 20.47 ± 1.33 (n = 143) representing football (62%, n = 60), baseball (26%, n = 25), and track & field (13%, n = 12) participated in this study. Subjects voluntarily completed an anonymous questionnaire regarding creatine supplementation patterns. Ninety-seven (68%) athletes participating in this study reported past or current use of creatine. The majority of creatine users (87%, n = 84) considered the substance to be safe and perceived it to be used by fellow athletes (92%, n = 89). Considering non-creatine users (32%, n = 46), 57% (n = 26) perceived creatine to be safe while 28% (n = 13) were not sure and 15% (n = 7) considered it unsafe. Forty-one non-users (89%) perceived fellow athletes were using creatine. Most creatine users (53%, n = 51) and non-users (58%, n = 27) perceived creatine to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic performance. Benefits reported by creatine users included quicker recovery (78%, n = 75) and increases in weight/size (85%, 82). The average weight gain experienced by the creatine users in this study was 16.59 ± 9.86 lbs. with the majority (61%, n = 59) of athletes attributing this gain to increases in muscle mass. Creatine users also reported using a wide variety of creatine forms with the majority (73%, n = 70) using powder form. Further, 64% (n = 62) of the athletes reported ingesting creatine one hour before workouts with 68% (n = 66) taking creatine 2–4 times daily during the loading phase and 82% (n = 79) 2–4 times daily during the maintenance phase. It was also indicated that 90% (n = 87) cycle creatine supplementation with a wide variety of usage relative to the length of creatine use and cycling patterns. Further, reported dosage patterns for both loading/maintenance phases as well as hydration practices accompanying creatine supplementation were reported. Overall, the athletes in this investigation seem to be making informed decisions regarding creatine supplementation practices. However, in isolated cases various athletes are in need of education regarding proper use of creatine supplementation as part of their overall nutritional/training regimen.