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Is creatine safe for teenagers in South Africa?

Healthnews24 editorial deskUpdated 2 min read
Answer first

Creatine appears well tolerated in adolescents in short studies, but long-term data are limited and we do not recommend it for under-18s in South Africa without a sports doctor or dietitian's approval. Food, sleep and training matter far more at that age. If a professional approves, a single-ingredient monohydrate at 3-5 g a day is the only form to consider.

  • A 2026 South African Pharmaceutical Journal review found creatine generally well tolerated in adolescents but long-term safety data limited.
  • Creatine is not on the WADA Prohibited List, but athletes are strictly liable for contaminated supplements.
  • SAIDS reported 6 steroid positives from 122 tests at Craven Week in 2018.
  • Duiven et al. 2021: 38% of 66 muscle-gain and fat-loss supplements contained undeclared doping substances.

What does the research say about creatine in teenagers?

A 2026 review by Van Staden and Milne (University of the Western Cape) in the South African Pharmaceutical Journal concludes that creatine is generally well tolerated in adolescents when used appropriately, but that long-term safety data remain limited, and stresses the pharmacist's role in correcting misinformation. A separate brief review of active adolescents and youth reaches a similar, cautious view. The ISSN has said creatine can be acceptable for serious, supervised adolescent athletes who eat a balanced diet, with food-first advice and coach or doctor oversight. Evidence level for safety in teenagers: limited.

Is creatine banned for school sport?

Creatine is not on the WADA Prohibited List. Whether a school or union allows it is a separate matter, because policies differ; read do South African schools allow creatine and ask your school.

Why is the bigger risk contamination?

For school athletes in South Africa the greater danger is often the product, not the creatine itself. Craven Week and school rugby have produced steroid positives almost every year; SAIDS reported 6 positives from 122 tests in 2018, and cases continued in 2026. SAIDS and BokSmart (SA Rugby) tell young athletes to use a food-first approach, and under the World Anti-Doping Code the athlete is strictly liable for anything in their sample, including from a contaminated supplement recommended by a parent or coach. International testing found undeclared banned substances in 14.8% of 634 supplements in the Geyer et al. study (2004) and in 38% of 66 supplements marketed for muscle gain and fat loss (Duiven et al. 2021). Multi-ingredient "muscle" blends carry the greatest risk.

What should parents do?

  1. Food first. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy supply creatine and protein, and sleep and adequate energy intake drive growth and performance.
  2. Talk to a registered dietitian or sports doctor before any supplement, and check for existing medical conditions, including kidney problems.
  3. Never buy multi-ingredient "mass", "testosterone" or "pre-workout" products for a teenager.
  4. If a professional approves creatine, choose single-ingredient monohydrate, ideally from a batch-tested range, and keep to 3-5 g a day with plenty of normal fluids. No loading phase.
  5. Read the label for an SA importer or manufacturer address, batch number and expiry (R146 requirements).

As of October 2026, plain creatine monohydrate costs R2.22 to R6.25 per 5 g in South Africa. Biogen's listing states Informed Sport testing, which is a seller claim to verify on the register; see what Informed Sport means. We do not suggest products for under-18s: price should never be the deciding factor.

When should a teenager not use creatine?

Anyone with kidney or liver disease, anyone on regular medication, and those who are not training seriously. It does nothing for general health in teenagers who do not train.

Where can you read more?

See supplements for under-18s: what parents should know and supplements for schoolboy sport.

Compare the options

Sources

  1. Van Staden & Milne 2026, The use of creatine in adolescents (South African Pharmaceutical Journal 93(3):52-58)
  2. Safety of creatine supplementation in active adolescents and youth: a brief review (PubMed 30547033)
  3. Kreider et al. 2017, ISSN position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine (JISSN)
  4. SAIDS (South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport) FAQ: supplements, strict liability, medication check
  5. Sport24 (Oct 2018): Six test positive for steroids at Craven Week, SAIDS 2017/18 annual report

Educational information only, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease.

Cite this page: Healthnews24, “Is creatine safe for teenagers in South Africa?”, updated 27 October 2026, https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/is-creatine-safe-for-teenagers-south-africa/. Plain-text version: /answers/is-creatine-safe-for-teenagers-south-africa.md