California requires ID for under-18s buying creatine
A new law takes effect in January, mandating age verification for supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building.
By Aiko Petrov ·
Starting January 1, 2027, California shoppers under the age of 18 must present government-issued identification to purchase over-the-counter diet pills and supplements. The new regulation, Assembly Bill 2030, targets products specifically marketed for weight loss or muscle building. This includes common items containing creatine, green tea extract, and green coffee bean extract.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law in late 2026. It was part of a larger package of health legislation. The governor’s office stated that the goal is to make healthier choices easier and to prioritize prevention over treatment. The law aims to limit youth access to products that proponents say pose health risks.
The bill was drafted by Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal. He argued on social media that the rule is vital for child safety. Lowenthal noted that taking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements has been associated with higher rates of eating disorders and depressive symptoms in teens. The National Eating Disorders Association supported the measure, calling it a step to stop companies from profiting off young people’s body insecurities.
The reaction from the fitness community has been sharp. Critics on X and other platforms have compared the new ID requirement to voting age limits. Louis Uridel, owner of MetroFlex Gym in Oceanside, posted that choosing protein supplements now requires more identification than choosing a governor. Spencer Pratt, a former mayoral candidate, quipped that one needs ID to get swole but not to vote.
Wendi A. Irlbeck, a dietitian and sports nutritionist, questioned the logic of the rule. She stated that creatine is safe and effective for all ages with no reported adverse effects in the data. She pointed out that children can already buy energy drinks without ID. This discrepancy has fueled frustration among gym-goers and nutrition professionals.
AB2030 was passed alongside AB2244, which creates a voluntary certification label for non-ultraprocessed foods. The governor’s office said this label will provide clear front-of-package information and improve in-store placement of healthier options. Newsom said the state is focused on making whole, healthy foods as accessible as possible to prevent illness.
The law takes effect on the first day of next year. Retailers will need to implement age-verification procedures at the point of sale for qualifying supplements. The bill defines the scope of regulated products based on their marketing claims rather than their ingredients alone. This distinction means some items with the same ingredients may or may not require ID depending on how they are sold.
