The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) issued a statement in response to a study in PLOS Mental Health that reported muscle-building supplement use is associated with muscle dysmorphia among Canadian adolescents and young adults.
According to CRN, correlation is not causation, but it is being ignored in the rush to blame supplements for body image issues, stating the study has been “twisted” to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship that doesn’t exist. Unlike other research, this study recognizes the benefits of muscle-building supplements including creatine’s positive effect on muscle growth and performance.
“The data were cross-sectional and thus the findings should not be interpreted as causal. Similarly, there may be bidirectional relationships between muscle-building supplement use and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology,” the authors stated.
CRN said the study does not provide evidence that muscle-building supplements lead to body image disorders—only that people who are focused on improving their physique tend to use them. Also, the authors suggested “causality may go the other direction.”
“Yet, misleading headlines are already out there claiming that “muscle-building supplements may put teens at risk” for a body image disorder,” CRN said. “That’s not what the study proves, and it’s irresponsible to suggest otherwise. This kind of alarmist reporting only confuses consumers and misleads policymakers into thinking safe, legal supplements are a problem when they aren’t.”
According to CRN, people who are dissatisfied with their appearance are taking steps to change it whether it means adjusting their diet, exercising more or taking supplements to support their goals. The study found supplement users were more satisfied with their progress than non-users.
“CRN supports legitimate scientific research, responsible regulation, and honest discussions about supplement use. But misleading interpretations and fearmongering don’t serve anyone—least of all the consumers who rely on these products as part of a balanced approach to health and fitness,” CRN said. “Instead of distorting science to push an agenda, let’s focus on the facts and ensure that dietary supplements are understood for what they really are: safe, effective tools that help people reach their goals.”