The French Agency of Medical Security for Food have indicated that the diet supplement, Creatine, used by athletes, should be banned because it might cause cancer.


Creatine, (dubbed the legal steroid) is used by sports people to build up their muscles, without the side effects usually associated with anabolic steroids. The supplement is not banned by the International Olympic Committee, and is sold over the counter in many countries.

The French Agency of Medical Security for Food has said that the use of creatine posed ‘a risk that has not been sufficiently evaluated particularly in the long-term’, adding that there was a ‘potential carcinogenic risk’ for users. The Agency also quoted research, which showed creatine could cause digestive, cardiovascular and muscle problems. It added that the its use was also ‘contrary to the rules, spirit and significance of sport.’

Previous research into the supplement has suggested it might help to protect against brain damage following a head injury. Several studies, including one recently reported in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition, have shown that people who take creatine supplements and exercise regularly lose more fat and develop more muscle tone than people who only work out and do not take creatine supplements.

Until further research is carried out on this amino acid, we will not know if there are benefits or dangers in taking this supplement.