Do you have to be 18 to buy preworkout?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

While no specific federal law in the United States requires an individual to be 18 to purchase pre-workout supplements, new state laws, such as New York's, are starting to restrict sales to minors. This raises important questions about safety and ethics regarding who can and should consume these powerful, unregulated products, and whether you have to be 18 to buy preworkout from certain retailers.

Quick Summary

The legality and recommended age for consuming pre-workout supplements vary by location, with health experts and organizations generally advising against use for those under 18 due to potential health risks associated with unregulated ingredients, especially high caffeine content. Safer, whole-food alternatives offer an effective way for younger athletes to boost performance without the dangers of stimulants.

Key Points

Age restrictions are increasing: While no federal law exists, some states like New York have implemented laws prohibiting the sale of certain pre-workout and muscle-building supplements to individuals under 18.
Health risks for minors are significant: Due to high caffeine content and unregulated ingredients, experts advise against pre-workout for those under 18, citing risks to developing cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Pre-workouts are largely unregulated: The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements for safety and efficacy before they are sold, increasing the risk of inaccurate labels and contamination.
Natural alternatives are a safer option: Whole foods like bananas, oatmeal, and Greek yogurt provide steady, natural energy without the risks of synthetic stimulants.
Stimulants can have serious side effects: High stimulant intake in adolescents can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, elevated heart rate, and digestive issues.
Consult a healthcare professional: Before any minor starts a new supplement, it is crucial to consult a doctor or dietitian to discuss risks and needs.

State Laws are Increasing Age Restrictions

While a federal age limit does not exist for the purchase of pre-workout supplements, some states are implementing their own regulations. New York state, for instance, has enacted a law, effective April 2024, that prohibits the sale of certain weight-loss and muscle-building dietary supplements to individuals under 18. This law includes age verification requirements for both in-store and online sales. Other states are exploring similar legislation, suggesting a trend towards increased age restrictions for these products.

Health Risks of Pre-Workout for Minors

Health professionals from institutions like the Mayo Clinic and University Hospitals strongly advise against pre-workout supplements for individuals under 18. The developing adolescent body and brain are susceptible to the potent and often unregulated ingredients in these supplements. Key concerns include the high levels of caffeine, which can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and heart issues in young people. The lack of FDA regulation means that product labels may not be accurate, and there's a risk of contamination with harmful substances.

The Dangers of High-Stimulant Ingredients

Stimulants, particularly caffeine, are common in pre-workout formulas. Some servings contain up to 400 mg of caffeine, significantly higher than the recommended daily limit for adolescents. Excessive stimulant intake can lead to cardiovascular strain, disrupted sleep, negative impacts on mental health, and digestive problems.

The Issue of Unregulated Ingredients

The dietary supplement industry faces limited regulation from agencies like the FDA. This means manufacturers are not required to prove the safety or effectiveness of their products before they are sold, increasing the risk of mislabeling and contamination with potentially harmful substances.

Comparison of Pre-Workout and Natural Alternatives for Teens

Whole foods offer a safer approach to fueling adolescent athletic performance compared to pre-workout supplements.


Feature	Pre-Workout Supplement	Natural Whole Food Alternatives
Regulation	Loosely regulated, potential for mislabeled or contaminated ingredients.	Safe, natural ingredients with no hidden additives.
Primary Energy Source	High doses of caffeine and other synthetic stimulants.	Naturally occurring carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Energy Type	Quick, intense burst of energy that can lead to a crash and side effects.	Sustained, steady energy release for optimal performance.
Nutritional Benefits	Minimal to no nutritional value beyond stimulants and proprietary blends.	Abundant vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.
Cost	Regular, ongoing expense.	Part of a regular, balanced diet, typically more affordable.
Side Effects	Jitters, anxiety, sleep issues, elevated heart rate, digestive problems.	None, provided no food allergies exist.

Safer and More Effective Natural Alternatives

Instead of supplements, adolescents can enhance performance through proper nutrition and a balanced diet.

Natural pre-workout options include:

Bananas: Provide easily digestible carbohydrates and potassium.
Oatmeal: Offers sustained energy from complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Greek Yogurt: A mix of carbohydrates and protein for fuel and recovery.
Beetroot Juice: Contains natural nitrates that may improve blood flow and muscle endurance.
Coffee or Green Tea: Offer controlled caffeine doses.
Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Combines simple and healthy fat-based carbohydrates.
Homemade Smoothie: A blend of fruit, spinach, and yogurt for a nutritious pre-workout.

Conclusion

While federal law does not mandate an age limit, the question of "Do you have to be 18 to buy preworkout?" is increasingly answered by state regulations and retailer policies. Health experts strongly advise against pre-workout for those under 18 due to significant health risks associated with stimulants and lack of regulation. Natural whole foods provide a safer, more effective way to fuel workouts and support healthy development. Always consult a healthcare provider before a minor begins any new supplement.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

While it is not federally illegal, some states, like New York, have passed specific laws restricting the sale of certain pre-workout supplements to individuals under 18. Retailers may also implement their own policies to prevent sales to minors, and online purchases may require age verification.

Pre-workout is not recommended for minors because their bodies are still developing and are more sensitive to high doses of stimulants like caffeine. The unregulated nature of the supplement industry also means the safety and accuracy of ingredients are not guaranteed.

Potential health risks for teenagers include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues due to high caffeine levels. The risk of ingesting mislabeled or contaminated products is also a significant concern.

Effective natural alternatives include foods rich in carbohydrates and protein. Options like a banana with peanut butter, oatmeal, or Greek yogurt provide sustained energy without the side effects of stimulants.

Yes, a cup of coffee or green tea provides a more controlled and natural source of caffeine than most pre-workout supplements. It can boost alertness and focus, but monitor intake to avoid excessive consumption.

While they lack the high caffeine content, stim-free pre-workouts may still contain other ingredients whose effects on developing bodies have not been thoroughly studied. It's still best to consult a healthcare professional before use.

No, not all pre-workouts contain creatine, but many do. Even though some research exists for creatine in adults, there are few studies on its long-term effects on teenagers, and some health organizations recommend those under 18 avoid it.