For years, the world of competitive athletics has had to deal with a succession of substances touted as possessing "performance enhancing" qualities. As a result of testing and research, many of these substances (e..g. steroids) and practices (e.g. blood doping) have proven to be dangerous and subsequently declared illegal to use by a variety of governing bodies. The latest craze is the use of creatine and androstenedione (andro) as dietary supplements that are used to enhance one's athletic performance. Since these two easily obtained substances are classified as dietary supplements, the manufacturers of these substances are not required to prove either the safety or efficacy of the products. We are faced now with a situation in which thousands of amateur and professional athletes are using these substances with very little information available upon which to make informed decisions. Recent surveys indicate widespread use of creatine among Long Island high school athletes and, since home-run king Mark McGwire's admitted use of andro, the popularity of that substance will, no doubt, be on the rise.

The purpose of this release is to provide our student athletes and their parents with information about creatine and andro in order to provide them with the basis upon which family discussions can take place.

There is a lack of long-term research and conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy and possible adverse effects of creatine and andro. Creatine, which has been touted as a "muscle builder and power enhancer," is an amino acid-like compound that is naturally produced in the liver and kidneys at the rate of about one gram per day. Typically, an additional gram of creatine is obtained from our daily diet. Creatine is used by muscle cells to store energy to be used for explosive exertion for activities such as sprinting and weight lifting. Athletes and trainers report a significant and rapid increase in muscle mass; however short-term studies indicate that this mass is due to water retention. Creatine supplementation seems to be related to dehydration, resulting in muscle cramps, heat illness, and has the potential for kidney failure. There is also some concern that continued supplementation will cause the body's creatine producing ability to cease.

While the medical and scientific community has conducted short-term studies on creatine, no such research exists regarding androstenedione (andro). Andro, a steroid hormone manufactured by the adrenal glands and gonads (i.e. testicles and ovaries), is a testosterone-producing agent. Testosterone, the male hormone, is a steroid which allows for the natural increase in size and strength of muscle tissue. Andro supplementation , users feel, would increase strength and improve recovery time. When one considers the considerable risks associated with the use of anabolic steroids, it would be foolish even to consider the use of andro as a dietary supplement and performance enhancer. Parents are urged to discuss this important issue of performance enhancing dietary supplements with their children and to be vigilant in monitoring their diet. The Manhasset Athletic Department has the responsibility to be informed about this issue and to assist our student athletes to train safely. Our official position is that we do not condone the use of creatine and/or andro. Throughout the school year, coaches will discuss the safety and efficacy of these supplements and discourage the use of these substances.

Fred M. Apgar, Manhasset High School Director of Athletics