Is creatine supplementation OK for high school cross-country runners?
It would not do them any harm, and there is evidence that creatine supplementation boosts performance in short intervals and reduces running-related muscle damage. However, as a general rule I don’t advise supplementation of any form for youth athletes. It’s important to instill a “first things first” mindset in young competitors. They need to understand that proper training and diet are infinitely more important than dietary supplements. There are a few beneficial supplements out there, but many athletes in our society are too reliant on them. I believe that coaches can help their athletes avoid this trap by discouraging supplementation until they are at least college age.
