In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat Is Creatine and Is It Good For You?What Are the Health Benefits of Creatine?Bottom Line: The Best Creatine SupplementChoosing a Creatine SupplementOur Search for the Best Creatine SupplementWe Also ConsideredCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What Is Creatine and Is It Good For You?

What Are the Health Benefits of Creatine?

Bottom Line: The Best Creatine Supplement

Choosing a Creatine Supplement

Our Search for the Best Creatine Supplement

We Also Considered

Common Questions

Our Trusted Expertise

Photo:EatingWell / Henry Wortock

A selection of creatine supplements we tested

EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Creatine is an amino acid found naturally in the body, but it’s also a top-selling dietary supplement. While commonly seen as something for gym rats looking to build muscle, creatine supplements are becoming popular among women, older adults and non-athletes for benefits like improved body composition and reduced brain fog.“Creatine is the most widely studied sports performance supplement and has been found to have many benefits beyond athletic performance,” says performance dietitianJenna Braddock, MSH, RDN, CSSD, CPT. “In addition to sports performance, supplementing [creatine] also seems to have a positive impact on brain and mental health, stress resilience and body composition, and can be particularly beneficial for women going through menopause.”What type of creatine is most effective? What is important to know when shopping for a creatine supplement? Braddock helped us narrow down the best on the market.How We Decide Which Supplements To RecommendWhat Is Creatine and Is It Good For You?Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in cells that helps produce energy during high-intensity exercise. It is found in the body, brain and muscles and can be found in protein-rich foods like seafood and red meat. Creatine is often taken as a supplement to enhance athletic performance and muscle growth.What Are the Health Benefits of Creatine?Research suggests that creatine may improve muscle strength, increase lean muscle mass and aid in quicker recovery during exercise.Some studies indicate creatine may also have potential cognitive benefits, making it a promising supplement for mental health, too.Our Top PicksBest Overall:NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate at Amazon$11Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Thorne Creatine Powder at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Value:NAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest for Sport:Klean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest Tasting:Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder at Amazon$24Jump to ReviewBest Capsule:SALEOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules at Amazon$44$28Jump to Review

Creatine is an amino acid found naturally in the body, but it’s also a top-selling dietary supplement. While commonly seen as something for gym rats looking to build muscle, creatine supplements are becoming popular among women, older adults and non-athletes for benefits like improved body composition and reduced brain fog.

“Creatine is the most widely studied sports performance supplement and has been found to have many benefits beyond athletic performance,” says performance dietitianJenna Braddock, MSH, RDN, CSSD, CPT. “In addition to sports performance, supplementing [creatine] also seems to have a positive impact on brain and mental health, stress resilience and body composition, and can be particularly beneficial for women going through menopause.”

What type of creatine is most effective? What is important to know when shopping for a creatine supplement? Braddock helped us narrow down the best on the market.

How We Decide Which Supplements To Recommend

Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in cells that helps produce energy during high-intensity exercise. It is found in the body, brain and muscles and can be found in protein-rich foods like seafood and red meat. Creatine is often taken as a supplement to enhance athletic performance and muscle growth.

Research suggests that creatine may improve muscle strength, increase lean muscle mass and aid in quicker recovery during exercise.Some studies indicate creatine may also have potential cognitive benefits, making it a promising supplement for mental health, too.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate at Amazon$11Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Thorne Creatine Powder at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Value:NAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest for Sport:Klean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest Tasting:Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder at Amazon$24Jump to ReviewBest Capsule:SALEOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules at Amazon$44$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate at Amazon$11Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Thorne Creatine Powder at Amazon$42Jump to ReviewBest Value:NAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest for Sport:Klean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest Tasting:Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder at Amazon$24Jump to ReviewBest Capsule:SALEOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules at Amazon$44$28Jump to Review

Best Overall:NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate at Amazon$11Jump to Review

Best Overall:NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate at Amazon$11

Best Overall:

Also Great:Thorne Creatine Powder at Amazon$42Jump to Review

Also Great:Thorne Creatine Powder at Amazon$42

Also Great:

Best Value:NAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine at Amazon$36Jump to Review

Best Value:NAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine at Amazon$36

Best Value:

Best for Sport:Klean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored at Amazon$33Jump to Review

Best for Sport:Klean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored at Amazon$33

Best for Sport:

Best Tasting:Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder at Amazon$24Jump to Review

Best Tasting:Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder at Amazon$24

Best Tasting:

Best Capsule:SALEOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules at Amazon$44$28Jump to Review

Best Capsule:SALEOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules at Amazon$44$28

Best Capsule:

SALE

Best OverallNOW Sports Creatine MonohydratePHOTO: Amazon$11$10 at AmazonView on Nowfoods.com$11 at IHerbType of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Powder |Creatine per serving:5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:This single-ingredient supplement is independently verified, Informed Sport-certified, and free of all major allergens.What to know:This is an unflavored powder you must mix with water or other liquid.NOW’s creatine supplement is Braddock’s top overall pick due to the brand’s reputation for high-quality supplements and the product’s reasonable price. She says it’s ideal for athletes looking to enhance performance but also works well for adults with lower activity levels hoping to reap some of creatine’s other benefits related to body composition or cognition. Creatine monohydrate is the only ingredient, meaning it’s free of additives, preservatives or colorings.The tub-sized cannister comes with a 5-gram scoop, which you can stir into any beverage. No creatine powder dissolves completely when mixed, so you can expect a little grit. If you find the texture bothersome, try adding it to a smoothie or stirring it into oatmeal. This supplement’s simplicity and high quality make it ideal for anyone looking to try creatine.PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Best OverallNOW Sports Creatine MonohydratePHOTO: Amazon$11$10 at AmazonView on Nowfoods.com$11 at IHerb

Best OverallNOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate

Best Overall

NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate

PHOTO: Amazon

Amazon NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate

$11$10 at AmazonView on Nowfoods.com$11 at IHerb

Type of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Powder |Creatine per serving:5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:Yes

What we like:This single-ingredient supplement is independently verified, Informed Sport-certified, and free of all major allergens.

What to know:This is an unflavored powder you must mix with water or other liquid.

NOW’s creatine supplement is Braddock’s top overall pick due to the brand’s reputation for high-quality supplements and the product’s reasonable price. She says it’s ideal for athletes looking to enhance performance but also works well for adults with lower activity levels hoping to reap some of creatine’s other benefits related to body composition or cognition. Creatine monohydrate is the only ingredient, meaning it’s free of additives, preservatives or colorings.

The tub-sized cannister comes with a 5-gram scoop, which you can stir into any beverage. No creatine powder dissolves completely when mixed, so you can expect a little grit. If you find the texture bothersome, try adding it to a smoothie or stirring it into oatmeal. This supplement’s simplicity and high quality make it ideal for anyone looking to try creatine.

PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

A person opening a bottle of NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate

A person holding a scoop of NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate over the open bottle

A person adding a scoop of NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate to a bottle of water

A person opening a bottle of NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate

A person holding a scoop of NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate over the open bottle

A person adding a scoop of NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate to a bottle of water

Also GreatThorne Creatine PowderPHOTO: Amazon$42 at Amazon$42 at Walmart$42 at IHerb

Also GreatThorne Creatine Powder

Also Great

Thorne Creatine Powder

Thorne Research Creatine Powder

$42 at Amazon$42 at Walmart$42 at IHerb

What we like:Thorne’s creatine is NSF-certified, meaning it’s free of banned substances that could disqualify athletes from competing in a sport.

What to know:While this unflavored powder is finer than most, users may still find the texture a bit gritty.

Thorne’s product contains “micronized” creatine monohydrate, which means particles have been broken down further to create a finer powder. Some may find the powder mixes into liquids a little better than other creatine products, which may be a plus if you’re unsure about creatine’s grittiness. While it tends to be a little pricier than NOW, Braddock says this is a great overall choice for athletes and non-athletes.

A person opening a bottle of Thorne Creatine Powder

A person holding a scoop of Thorne Creatine Powder over the open container

A person adding a scoop of Thorne Creatine Powder to a bottle of water

A person opening a bottle of Thorne Creatine Powder

A person holding a scoop of Thorne Creatine Powder over the open container

A person adding a scoop of Thorne Creatine Powder to a bottle of water

Best ValueNAKED Nutrition Naked CreatinePHOTO: Naked Nutrition$36 at Amazon$36 at WalmartView on Nakednutrition.comType of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Powder |Creatine per serving:5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:This version is micronized for easier mixing and it’s independently verified, offering a high-quality supplement at an affordable price.What to know:This supplement should be free of other major allergens, but this is not verified in the product’s information.If budget is a top priority, then Naked Creatine is your best bet for a high-quality creatine supplement. While it’s not NSF-certified, the product is independently verified for contaminants and contains only creatine monohydrate. The powder is micronized, so it mixes more easily into liquid. It’s also certified to be free of gluten, GMOs, dairy, and soy. Technically, the powder should also be free of all other major allergens (and likely is), but we could not verify this.PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Best ValueNAKED Nutrition Naked CreatinePHOTO: Naked Nutrition$36 at Amazon$36 at WalmartView on Nakednutrition.com

Best ValueNAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine

Best Value

NAKED Nutrition Naked Creatine

PHOTO: Naked Nutrition

Naked Creatine

$36 at Amazon$36 at WalmartView on Nakednutrition.com

What we like:This version is micronized for easier mixing and it’s independently verified, offering a high-quality supplement at an affordable price.

What to know:This supplement should be free of other major allergens, but this is not verified in the product’s information.

If budget is a top priority, then Naked Creatine is your best bet for a high-quality creatine supplement. While it’s not NSF-certified, the product is independently verified for contaminants and contains only creatine monohydrate. The powder is micronized, so it mixes more easily into liquid. It’s also certified to be free of gluten, GMOs, dairy, and soy. Technically, the powder should also be free of all other major allergens (and likely is), but we could not verify this.

A person opening a container of NAKED Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder

A person scooping NAKED Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder

A person adding a scoop of NAKED Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder to a bottle of water

A person opening a container of NAKED Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder

A person scooping NAKED Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder

A person adding a scoop of NAKED Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder to a bottle of water

Best for SportKlean Athlete Klean Creatine UnflavoredPHOTO: Amazon$33 at Amazon$33 at WalmartView on Kleanathlete.comType of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Powder |Creatine per serving:5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:This creatine comes in a smaller container, making it easier to take to the gym or on the go. Its NSF certification is also a plus for competitive athletes.What to know:This powder’s flour-like texture suffers from the common issue of grittiness, making it a better candidate for smoothies than plain water.This creatine supplement is another of Braddock’s top overall picks because of the brand’s reputation and the simplicity of the ingredient list—just creatine monohydrate. Klean Athlete is NSF-certified and tends to get marketed to athletes, but don’t let that fool you. This creatine is ideal for all adults, regardless of activity level. Braddock says this is a good option for those who travel regularly since it comes in a smaller, more compact container compared to similar creatine products.Other than being a little more expensive, the only complaint is the slightly gritty texture. However, this is an issue with creatine powder in general, not necessarily this brand.PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell/Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Best for SportKlean Athlete Klean Creatine UnflavoredPHOTO: Amazon$33 at Amazon$33 at WalmartView on Kleanathlete.com

Best for SportKlean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored

Best for Sport

Klean Athlete Klean Creatine Unflavored

Klean Athlete Klean Creatine

$33 at Amazon$33 at WalmartView on Kleanathlete.com

What we like:This creatine comes in a smaller container, making it easier to take to the gym or on the go. Its NSF certification is also a plus for competitive athletes.

What to know:This powder’s flour-like texture suffers from the common issue of grittiness, making it a better candidate for smoothies than plain water.

This creatine supplement is another of Braddock’s top overall picks because of the brand’s reputation and the simplicity of the ingredient list—just creatine monohydrate. Klean Athlete is NSF-certified and tends to get marketed to athletes, but don’t let that fool you. This creatine is ideal for all adults, regardless of activity level. Braddock says this is a good option for those who travel regularly since it comes in a smaller, more compact container compared to similar creatine products.

Other than being a little more expensive, the only complaint is the slightly gritty texture. However, this is an issue with creatine powder in general, not necessarily this brand.

PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell/Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

A person opening a container of Klean Athlete Klean Creatine

A person scooping Klean Athlete Klean Creatine

A person adding a scoop of Klean Athlete Klean Creatine to a bottle of water

A person opening a container of Klean Athlete Klean Creatine

A person scooping Klean Athlete Klean Creatine

A person adding a scoop of Klean Athlete Klean Creatine to a bottle of water

Best TastingNutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized PowderPHOTO: Amazon$24 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Nutricost.comType of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Powder |Creatine per serving:5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:UnknownWhat we like:If you find unflavored creatine powders off-putting, Nutricost offers several flavored varieties that make adding this supplement to your water bottle easy.What to know:Nutricost is sweetened with sucralose, which some folks may find leaves an artificial aftertaste.Most creatine powders are unflavored, so this is an excellent option for those wanting some flavor in their creatine supplement. The fruit punch flavor, in particular, is a nice departure from the typical unflavored powders. Nutricost’s creatine is independently certified and gluten-free, and we like that it uses natural coloring (beetroot) rather than artificial colors or dyes.The only downside is that the powder relies on sucralose for sweetness. We wish it used a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, but this can still be a good option for a flavored creatine if you don’t mind a small amount of artificial sweetener. The brand also comes in blue raspberry, watermelon and pineapple mango flavors, as well as an unflavored version.PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Best TastingNutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized PowderPHOTO: Amazon$24 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Nutricost.com

Best TastingNutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder

Best Tasting

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder

Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized

$24 at Amazon$35 at WalmartView on Nutricost.com

Type of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Powder |Creatine per serving:5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:Unknown

What we like:If you find unflavored creatine powders off-putting, Nutricost offers several flavored varieties that make adding this supplement to your water bottle easy.

What to know:Nutricost is sweetened with sucralose, which some folks may find leaves an artificial aftertaste.

Most creatine powders are unflavored, so this is an excellent option for those wanting some flavor in their creatine supplement. The fruit punch flavor, in particular, is a nice departure from the typical unflavored powders. Nutricost’s creatine is independently certified and gluten-free, and we like that it uses natural coloring (beetroot) rather than artificial colors or dyes.

The only downside is that the powder relies on sucralose for sweetness. We wish it used a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, but this can still be a good option for a flavored creatine if you don’t mind a small amount of artificial sweetener. The brand also comes in blue raspberry, watermelon and pineapple mango flavors, as well as an unflavored version.

A person opening a container of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder

A person scooping Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder

A person adding a scoop of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder to a bottle of water

A person opening a container of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder

A person scooping Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder

A person adding a scoop of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder to a bottle of water

Best CapsuleOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate CapsulesPHOTO: Amazon$44$28 at Amazon$16 at Walmart$62 at IHerbType of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Capsule |Creatine per serving:2.5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:YesWhat we like:These capsules are easy to transport, no mixing required.What to know:To meet dosing recommendations, you need to consume several capsules, which are more expensive than powdered versions.If mixing a powder into your daily beverage doesn’t sound appealing, capsules are a great option. These Optimum Nutrition capsules are filled with the same creatine monohydrate powder found in those mixed with water; the only difference is the delivery mode. We found that most creatine capsules list servings in 2.5 g dosages, but this doesn’t mean you can’t double that to reach a 5 g intake.The only downside is that taking a 5 g dose often requires swallowing four capsules. However, these capsules may be a good option if you’d like to try creatine but want to start at a lower dosage.PHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry WortockPHOTO: EatingWell / Henry Wortock

Best CapsuleOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate CapsulesPHOTO: Amazon$44$28 at Amazon$16 at Walmart$62 at IHerb

Best CapsuleOptimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules

Best Capsule

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules

$44$28 at Amazon$16 at Walmart$62 at IHerb

Type of creatine:Creatine monohydrate |Form:Capsule |Creatine per serving:2.5 g |Independently verified:Yes |In-house tested:Yes

What we like:These capsules are easy to transport, no mixing required.

What to know:To meet dosing recommendations, you need to consume several capsules, which are more expensive than powdered versions.

If mixing a powder into your daily beverage doesn’t sound appealing, capsules are a great option. These Optimum Nutrition capsules are filled with the same creatine monohydrate powder found in those mixed with water; the only difference is the delivery mode. We found that most creatine capsules list servings in 2.5 g dosages, but this doesn’t mean you can’t double that to reach a 5 g intake.

The only downside is that taking a 5 g dose often requires swallowing four capsules. However, these capsules may be a good option if you’d like to try creatine but want to start at a lower dosage.

A person opening a bottle of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules

A person holding a capsule of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate over the open bottle

A person pouring out a bottle of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules

A person opening a bottle of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules

A person holding a capsule of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate over the open bottle

A person pouring out a bottle of Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules

For its combination of high-quality ingredients and affordable price,NOW Creatine Monohydrate(view at Amazon) is an excellent choice for creatine beginners and seasoned athletes. However, if you prefer a finer powder,Thorne Creatine(view at Amazon) is another alternative we like for its rigorous standards for quality and purity.

Types of Creatine

Creatine monohydrate is the most common type of creatine found in supplements. Braddock says most research to date has used the monohydrate form, which she recommends to clients. Other brands may offer proprietary forms of creatine that Braddock says are usually more expensive and not any more effective compared to creatine monohydrate, even though the packaging may suggest the opposite.

Form of Creatine

Creatine is a white powder that can be sold in a canister and mixed into water or any other beverage of choice or sold as powder-filled capsules. Both forms are considered equally effective, and choosing comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.

Independent Verification

Read the Ingredients List

Creatine is widely available as a single-ingredient supplement, allowing one to control dosage and avoid other unwanted ingredients. Some pre-workout supplements contain creatine in combination with other ingredients. Braddock says these can be good if they contain other nutrients or compounds you already take in those desired amounts. However, she recommends reading the label carefully, since many also contain ingredients such as caffeine.

RSP Creatine Monohydrate($29 for 60 doses at Amazon):RSP isn’t a brand we know much about, but we liked the look and texture of this unflavored creatine powder. It’s independently verified and the powder is micronized into smaller particles for easier mixing.

Life Extension Creatine Capsules($14 for 120 capsules at Amazon):These high-quality creatine capsules are independently verified, contain a small amount of vitamin C, and are smaller in size, making them easier to swallow. However, a 5 g dose requires taking ten capsules.

The Genius Brand Creatine($25 for 25 doses at Amazon):One scoop contains 5 g of creatine monohydrate along with small amounts of beta-alanine (another performance-enhancing amino acid) and a proprietary blend of ginseng and astragalus to enhance energy and nutrient absorption. We like the idea behind the blend, and the amounts appear safe within safe ranges, but be aware that less is known about the additional ingredients.

What is creatine?

Creatine is a non-structural amino acid, meaning it’s not used to form proteins that comprise body tissues like muscle. Instead, creatine helps to recycle phosphate compounds to generate more ATP or energy within cells. Most creatine (95%) is stored in muscle, but a small amount is stored in major organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.By facilitating greater energy production, creatine allows for enhanced or longer workouts to promote improvements in performance and body composition and may support cognitive and mental health.

What is the best form of creatine to take?

Creatine is sold in two forms: a powder that you mix with water or other liquid, and capsules filled with that powder. The first is the most popular form and is usually sold in a tub with a scoop. One scoop (usually one to two teaspoons of powder) typically contains 5 g of creatine, which you can stir into a water or other beverage. If desired, you can stir powdered creatine into foods such as oatmeal and smoothies. The capsules can be a good option for those who are not keen on drinking their creatine. The only downside is that it usually requires several capsules to meet your intake goal.

When is the best time of day to take creatine?

Braddock advises consuming creatine 30 minutes prior to your workout if your goal for taking creatine is to enhance performance in terms of stamina, strength and endurance. If you’re looking to reap other benefits from creatine supplementation, such as improved cognition, she says creatine can be taken any time of day, with or without food. You can also divide a 5 g dose over a day, which may be helpful if taken in capsule form. For example, if a 5 g dose requires six capsules per day, you could take three in the morning and three in the afternoon.

How much creatine should I take—and does the amount differ between men and women?

Creatine intake recommendations are based on body weight. A dosage of 0.03 g/kilograms per day (approximately 2 to 5 g) is considered safe for men and women. To simplify, Braddock recommends a 5 g dosage for most adults. She says this is the amount used in most studies demonstrating benefits from creatine.

How do I get started taking creatine?

In the past, the loading dose approach was considered an optimal way to reap benefits from creatine supplementation, but the International Society of Sports Nutrition now says this may not be necessary. After one month of supplementation, creatine levels appear to be the same regardless of the dosing approach.For most people, Braddock says starting and continuing a 5 g maintenance dose is effective. The loading dose approach can be beneficial for athletes or individuals who are just beginning supplementation and have an event or competition within the next few days.

Consistency is key for most supplements, including creatine, but the good news here is that Braddock says one will still reap the benefits of creatine when it comes to sports and performance even if one is “slightly inconsistent.” She says that missing an occasional dose will not immediately deplete the body’s creatine stores or usually impact performance, but consistency is best for optimal benefits. She also says there is no harm in missing a dose or stopping supplementation cold turkey.

What are the benefits of taking creatine?

The body makes a small amount of creatine, but any additional creatine must come from diet. However, meeting a daily intake of 5 g through diet alone is tough. This is because creatine is found almost exclusively in animal proteins, and even in those sources, it’s found in low amounts. For example, Braddock says one pound of uncooked beef or salmon only contains 1 to 2 g of creatine—which is why supplementing can be useful and healthier than relying on diet alone.

According to a 2021 Nutrients journal review, creatine supplementation is associated with improvements in performance, increases in exercise capacity, increases in lean body mass and improvements in body composition in both athletes and untrained individuals. Research also suggests that creatine may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improve glycemic control, slow cancer growth, maintain physical abilities as one ages, minimize bone loss, enhance cognition and memory and improve the effectiveness of some antidepressant medications.

Some brain and cognitive benefits also stem from creatine’s role in ATP resynthesis. Brain cells are highly active, meaning they go through much more ATP than other body cells, particularly when doing high-level work requiring concentration, or when fatigued or stressed. Braddock says brain cells respond well to creatine supplementation to support ATP production to “help brain power work at a higher level.” Less is known about creatine’s potential benefits on mental health, but Braddock adds there is some data on creatine and anti-depressant medications.“Supplementing with creatine may increase how quickly benefits [from an antidepressant medication] are observed or felt,” says Braddock.

Braddock is a big proponent of creatine supplementation in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Because estrogen declines during these life stages, she says it’s harder for women to build and maintain muscle mass. Creatine supplementation aids in building lean body mass which, in turn, can improve metabolism and lead to a leaner physique, two common goals Braddock sees among her clients in these stages. Creatine may also help older adults maintain muscle mass to extend physical mobility and independence.

What are the side effects of creatine?

Carolyn Williams, PhD, RDN, is a registered dietitian, tenured college professor, and journalist who’s written on a host of nutrition and health topics. She specializes in the relationship between diet and chronic inflammation and co-hosts the podcast Happy Eating, which explores the connection that mental wellness has to diet and lifestyle.

In addition to her own expertise, Carolyn consulted withJenna Braddock, MSH, RDN, CSSD, CPT, a performance dietitian in Florida and creator of Eating for Purpose group nutrition program for women over 40. She is considered an expert in her field when it comes to healthy, active living at all ages, and on supplements, such as creatine, that support those goals.

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Sources

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Wu SH, Chen KL, Hsu C, Chen HC, Chen JY, Yu SY, Shiu YJ.Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients. 2022; 16;14(6):1255. doi: 10.3390/nu14061255.

Roschel H, Gualano B, Ostojic SM, Rawson ES.Creatine Supplementation and Brain Health. Nutrients. 2021;10;13(2):586. doi: 10.3390/nu13020586.

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Kious BM, Kondo DG, Renshaw PF.Creatine for the Treatment of Depression. Biomolecules. 2019 Aug 23;9(9):406. doi: 10.3390/biom9090406.