Doctors should ask teenage boys and young men if they’re using muscle-building supplements like protein powders or creatine. These products aren’t tested as strictly as medicines and can pose serious health risks. Many young men use these supplements, often without realizing they might not need them if they’re already getting enough nutrients from food.
Kyle Ganson, PhD, MSW, from the University of Toronto, points out that over 80% of adolescent boys use protein supplements, and up to 50% use creatine. However, doctors often don’t know because they simply don’t ask. When they do find out, they should use a harm reduction approach, encouraging safer use rather than insisting on quitting entirely. For instance, they might assess a teen’s diet and suggest that they can build muscle just fine with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
It’s also important to keep the conversation open, as teens who use supplements might eventually try more dangerous substances, like muscle-building steroids, especially if they feel supplements aren’t giving them the results they want.
Athletes are particularly at risk because some supplements are mislabeled or contain harmful substances not approved for use in the U.S., like deterenol or oxilofrine. Words like “proprietary,” “blend,” or “complex” on labels should be red flags. Unlike medicines, supplements don’t need FDA approval before hitting the market, leaving consumers vulnerable to hidden dangers.
Experts like Dr. Pieter Cohen from Harvard Medical School recommend choosing supplements with fewer ingredients and those certified by third parties for safety. However, the best advice remains to stick to proper nutrition and exercise routines instead of relying on unregulated supplements that promise quick gains but can jeopardize health.
Remember, a healthy diet and consistent training are your best tools for building muscle safely. Let’s keep the conversation going—your health is too important to gamble on risky shortcuts.
