California bans sale of creatine to minors from 2027

The US state of California has passed law AB 2030, which prohibits the sale of over-the-counter dietary supplements for muscle building or weight loss to minors. This includes one of the most widely used supplements in sport: creatine.

From January 1, 2027, retailers must verify the age of buyers. Anyone under 18 will no longer be able to purchase these products at the checkout, whether in physical stores or, presumably, online.

For athletes and coaches in the CrossFit and Hyrox world, this is striking news. Creatine has long been considered one of the most thoroughly researched and widely regarded safe supplements, yet California's legislators have now placed it in the same category as weight-loss products.

Although the law will only take effect in California, it could set a precedent for other states or countries. The question is whether manufacturers and retailers will adjust their policies more broadly, rather than for that one state alone.