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I’m 13 can’t take creatine but is there something like it that I can take that does the same stuff but is healthy for my body
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #15862
22 hours ago
45

I’m 13 can’t take creatine but is there something like it that I can take that does the same stuff but is healthy for my body - #15862

Cyrus

I’m 13 years old, and I understand my parents don’t want me taking creatine right now. I respect that, and I want to make sure I’m doing whatever is safest for my body while still supporting my athletic goals. Because of that, I’m trying to learn whether there are any healthy alternatives for someone my age that can provide similar benefits to creatine — such as improved strength, better workout performance, or support for muscle growth — but without the risks or concerns that come with taking creatine as a young teen. I know that creatine is widely used by adults to help increase power and muscle recovery, but I also know that my body is still developing. That’s why I’m specifically looking for options that are proven to be safe for teenagers, recommended by medical or sports-health professionals, and based on nutrition rather than advanced supplementation. I’m not trying to take anything risky or unsafe — I just want to understand if there are any natural, healthier alternatives that support my training in a similar way. From what I’ve learned so far, certain things like eating enough protein, getting the right carbohydrates, staying hydrated, and following a consistent training plan can have benefits similar to what people use creatine for — but in a way that’s safer for someone my age. Some teens also use basic options like whey protein or a multivitamin when approved by their doctor or parent, but I want to make sure I’m getting accurate, professional guidance before taking anything at all. So my question is: Are there any safe, age-appropriate alternatives — whether nutritional, dietary, or lifestyle-based — that can help me build strength and support muscle development in a way that’s healthy for a 13-year-old? I want to do this the right way and make the best choice for my health.

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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.
21 hours ago
5

Hi Cyrus,

Eat plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, yogurt, beans, and nuts, along with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to fuel muscle growth safely at your age.

Drink water often.

Train regularly with safe, age-appropriate methods.

Sleep well and rest enough.

Skip supplements, but if u still want supplements, u can take PROTEINX POWDER 2 Spoons daily.

Dr Nikhil Chauhan Urologist

21 answered questions
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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
21 hours ago
5

Hello dear See creatine supplements is indicated only after age group 18 and above only. So I suggest you to please avoid taking it. Since you are in growing stage so I suggest you to please follow below routine for improvement Do vajrasana and surya namaskar Weight gaining exercises Take cheese and grams upto 4-5 cups atleast once a day for 1 month Consume dairy products like butter and milk Take natural balance diet Avoid supplements Take zincovit multivitamin Avoid weight lifting excercise to prevent height increase Kindly follow this routine for 3-4 months In case of no improvement consult endocrinologist for further evaluation Hopefully you improve Regards

991 answered questions
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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
20 hours ago
5

Hello, The best, safe alternatives:

1.Eat enough protein

Eggs, chicken, fish, milk, yogurt, beans. Helps muscle repair and growth naturally.

2.Eat enough calories

Peanut butter, pasta, rice, whole grains, nuts, smoothies.

3.Complex carbs for energy Oatmeal, fruits, potatoes, rice, whole-wheat bread. These improve workout strength and performance safely.

4.Good hydration Water + electrolytes on hot or long training days.

5.Consistent training

Full-body workouts, bodyweight exercises, good form, progressive increase in difficulty.

6.Sleep 8–10 hours Your body builds muscle during sleep, especially at your age.

If possible,Please consult a pediatrician to know if you can take multivitamins.

Thank you

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
5 hours ago
5

Doctors and sports-health experts do not recommend creatine for kids under 16 because:

Your body is still developing

Your kidneys are still maturing

Dosage studies on young teens are very limited

Nutrition alone gives almost the same benefits at your age

So your parents are right to be cautious, and you’re right to look for safe alternatives.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
5 hours ago
5

Hello Cyrus If you’re looking for alternatives to creatine, there are several natural options that can help support your workouts and muscle recovery without the need for supplements. Here are a few: 1. Protein-rich foods: Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products can help build muscle. Plant-based options like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa are great too! 2. Carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide energy for your workouts. Foods like brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices. 3. BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids): These can be found in foods like eggs and dairy. They help with muscle recovery and can be beneficial after workouts. 4. Beetroot juice: Some studies suggest that beetroot can improve exercise performance due to its nitrate content, which helps with blood flow. 5. Coconut water: It’s a great natural source of electrolytes and can help with hydration during workouts.

Thank you

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