However, Louis Maier (senior-kinesiology) stopped using creatine and wasn't surprised at the AFSSA's finding that the supplement may not be beneficial and even possibly harmful to all of its users. Maier was told that by taking creatine he could increase his weight and have stronger sessions at the gym.

"I stopped taking it because it didn't really enhance what I wanted it to," Maier said. "Also, studies aren't sure what side effects it may cause, and it could be more harmful than we think it is."

According to the report, some of the positive effects of creatine are unfounded and the increase in body mass is often largely due to water weight gain. Experts on an AFSSA committee studying human nutrition said creatine only enhances an athlete's sports performance for a short period of time, usually about 15 seconds, according to the agency's Web site.

The AFSSA also cited studies that showed creatine causing "digestive, muscular, and cardiovascular problems."

Kevin Ranze (senior-architecture) is a runner who used creatine in an attempt to build his endurance and extend his workout time.

Ranze started with the powder formula but switched to the liquid form because it made him go to the bathroom frequently.

Ranze finally stopped using creatine all together because he said it didn't do much for him. "I don't think it made any difference. I worked out just as long without creatine," Ranze said. "Creatine just helps your mental state."

Creatine is described as a legal steroid and is listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a dietary supplement.

Members of Penn State's Center for Sports Medicine said in a statement that they do not recommend the use of creatine.

"There is good data and bad data about creatine," said Dr. Margot Putukian, director of primary care sports medicine. "While there are benefits, we don't know much about the side or long term effects."

There have been no long-term studies on the supplement and that people who use it everyday for recreational benefit may experience more harm then benefit, Putukian said.

The sale of creatine is banned in France and the AFSSA report is urging committees such as the International Olympic Committee to ban the use of the supplement as well.

Some students such as Ranze, however, said unless researchers uncover more dangerous affects of creatine, the decision to use the supplement should be left up to the individual.