Creatine is an anabolic steroid
Perhaps the most ridiculous, unfounded, but most harmful misconception about creatine supplementation is that it is an “anabolic steroid” or a performance-enhancing drug similar to hormones.
This misconception may stem from creatine’s known effects on muscle mass and performance, coupled with scare tactics in the mainstream media and a general lack of understanding of its chemical structure and mechanism of action.
Understanding the Chemical Properties and Classification of Creatine
Creatine (methylguanidineacetic acid) is a natural compound that is endogenously synthesized in the kidneys and liver from the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine. Creatine can also be ingested through dietary sources, primarily meat and fish. [9]
In stark contrast, anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, a hormone that has very different effects on the body through completely different mechanisms. While both substances have the potential to increase muscle mass, the similarities end there.
From a regulatory perspective, the difference could not be more stark:
Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are subject to the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act enforced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Possession of anabolic steroids without a prescription is illegal.
Creatine is classified as a dietary supplement under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (“DSHEA”) and is subject to FDA good manufacturing practices. Creatine can be purchased legally over the counter without any restrictions. [2]
Fundamentally Different Mechanism of Action from Steroids
This confusion becomes even more unfounded when we examine how these substances work:
Anabolic steroids enter muscle cells, bind to androgen receptors within the cells, and increase the expression of muscle-specific genes, directly affecting muscle protein synthesis.
Creatine is converted to phosphocreatine and regulated by creatine kinase in the muscle to produce intracellular ATP. It essentially enhances energy availability during high-intensity exercise, thereby contributing to increased training volume and adaptation over time.
The evidence is strong
Creatine is not an anabolic steroid. It has a completely different chemical structure, works through different physiological pathways, and is regulated differently by government agencies.
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body and in a variety of foods, especially meat and fish. It is one of the most well-researched and safest nutritional supplements available today.
Unfortunately, this ingrained misconception prevents some people from using safe and effective supplements because they have unfounded concerns about its legality or potential side effects.
Understanding the fundamental differences between creatine and anabolic steroids is essential to making an informed decision about your supplementation strategy.