Risk of ‘contamination’: Is it safe for youth athletes to take supplements?

Creatine , caffeine and protein supplements are the three most common performance enhancing substances ( PES ) Teens think they are taking them to build muscle, but the AAP says there’s no performance benefit to protein supplement if a diet provides adequate protein.

Creatine could aid athletic bursts of one to three seconds but probably not with overall sports performance.

Two in five parents say their teenager consumed protein supplements over a one-year period.

The amount of caffeine in food is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

Caffeine in energy drinks and other dietary supplements isn’t regulated by FDA .

The AAP has guidelines about safe caffeine use.

Joe DiMaggio used to drink many cups of coffee before games to get a boost.

He spent 10 years coaching his two sons’ baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen , are now sports parents for two high schoolers. His column is posted weekly . For his past columns, click here. Got a question for Coach Steve you want answered in a column? Email him at sborelli@usatoday.com.