The debate surrounding the safety of the food supplement creatine continued yesterday with the French Agency of Medical Security for Food (AFSSA) linking it to possible "carcinogenic risks".
The supplement, used openly by top athletes from a variety of sports to increase muscle bulk and strength, is currently banned altogether in France. This however was contradicted recently by former French rugby coach Pierre Berbizier when he said use of creatine was common in the French championship.
The AFSSA said in a report published on its website that the use of creatine "constitutes a risk that has not been sufficiently evaluated, particularly in the long term".
The report said there is a "potential carcinogenic risk" for users of the product, which is sold over the counter in many countries and is not banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is often described as a "legal steroid".
The AFSSA report quoted epidemiologic studies that showed creatine causing "digestive, muscular and cardiovascular problems".
The report also said the use of creatine should be regarded "as contrary to the rules, spirit and significance of sport" and suggested consideration should be given to it being added to the list of banned products.