CREATINE

Creatine is an amino acid that is found naturally in the body, primarily in the skeletal muscles. Most people get the bulk of their supply of creatine from the meat and fish in their diet.

Creatine supplements are usually found in a powdered form that is mixed with juices.

How Does It Work?

When you contract a muscle, the energy used to do so is supplied by a chemical known as ATP. Under normal conditions the body doesn't store a lot of ATP. At that point, the body must quickly replenish its supply of ATP. To do so, the body takes another compound, ADP and converts it to ATP.

Creatine supplies ADP with a phosphate molecule that can be used to turn ADP into ATP, thus supplying the body with additional energy for short, strenuous activities.

Effects:

	Increases short term energy
	Increases muscle recovery time
	Increases strength and muscle mass

Risks

	Short term side effects can vary (hair loss, acne, diarrhea)
	Long-term risks are unknown

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ANDROSTENEDIONE

Androstenedione is a compound produced naturally by the body, though not a testosterone, it is a precursor, which means it produces testosterone.

How does it work?

The more testosterone you have, the more muscle mass and the less body fat you're likely to have. This results in more strength and energy. Since androstenedione produces testosterone, it helps supply strength and energy.

In some people, androstenedione supplements cause a small and temporary increase in testosterone levels (10% for 45 minutes). It is believed that this increase allows you to train harder, and thus, increase your strength and endurance.

Effects

	Increases short term energy
	Increases strength and muscle mass to a greater extent than creatine.

Risks

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ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Anabolic steroids are drugs derived from the male hormone testosterone. They promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass. Under federal law it is illegal to possess or distribute anabolic steroids for non-medical users.

How do they work?

Testosterone or testosterone- like synthetic drugs produce anabolic and androgenic activity by increasing protein growth and rapidly increasing muscle mass and therefore strength.

Effects

Increases strength and muscle mass to a greater extent than creatine and androstenedione.

Risks

	Illegal in the United States
	Heart palpitations and heart disease
	Osteoporosis
	Aggression and mood swings
	Menstrual changes
	Impotence
	Sterility
	Acne
	Hair loss
	Male characteristics in women
	Female characteristics in men
	Water retention

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MEDICAL SUGGESTIONS

Always consult a health care provider before trying any performance enhancing supplements.

Since long-term effects are unknown, take cycles only according to medical advice If side effects are noticed, consult a health care provider immediately.

Disclaimer: Creatine, adrostenedione, and anabolic steroids are all relatively new, therefore extensive medical research has not been conducted. Consequently, this document does not present conclusive medical findings.

If you develop any new, prolonged, or more severe symptoms of your illness, call the nurse at 863-4463, return or consult your personal physician. If University Health Services is closed, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for an ambulance.