Best Creatine for Muscle Growth 2023
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in small amounts in foods like meat and fish. It is also produced by the body in small quantities, mainly in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Creatine plays an imporntant role in supplying energy to cells, particularly during high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting, sprinting, and jumping.
Due to its ability to increase ATP production, creatine has gained popularity as a dietary supplement among athletes and bodybuilders. According to a study, creatine supplementation combined with complex training improved maximal muscular strength and reduced muscle damage during training.
Best Type of Creatine for Muscle Growth
Several types of creatine supplements available on the market, including Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl), Buffered Creatine and Micronized Creatine.
Creatine monohydrate is typically regarded as the most efficient and thoroughly studied form of creatine when it comes to muscle growth. It has consistently demonstrated positive results in numerous studies and is recommended by many experts and sports nutrition organizations.
Other forms of creatine might have some advantages in terms of solubility, absorption, or potential gastrointestinal problems, but there isn't enough evidence to say for sure that they're better at promoting muscle growth.
Creatine monohydrate is typically regarded as the most efficient and thoroughly studied form of creatine when it comes to muscle growth. It has consistently demonstrated positive results in numerous studies and is recommended by many experts and sports nutrition organizations.
Other forms of creatine might have some advantages in terms of solubility, absorption, or potential gastrointestinal problems, but there isn't enough evidence to say for sure that they're better at promoting muscle growth.
Creatine Dosage for Muscle Growth
The most effective and rapid way to increase muscle creatine stores is to ingest 5 g of creatine monohydrate four times daily for 5–7 days (i.e., 0.3 g/kg/day). However, some studies have shown that consuming 2–3 g/day of creatine for 30 days can also effectively increase muscle creatine stores. (Source)Best Creatine for Muscle Growth
1. Bulksupplements.com Creatine Monohydrate Powder - Best Creatine Powder
- For Muscle Mass
Creatine, or Creatine Monohydrate, is one of the most widely-used workout supplements. If you're trying to pack on lean muscle mass, supplementing with our creatine monohydrate powder, or creatine nutritional supplements, can help! Add our unflavored powder into your daily routine for additional muscle support!*
- For Energy & Endurance
Creatine Monohydrate powder, a creatine powder, helps boost energy to your muscles, which support performance.* Our Micronized Creatine powder allows you to have more energy throughout the day. In addition, this creatine supplement may also help with recovery between sets allowing you to push harder and longer than before!*
- Pure & Unflavored Creatine
Unlike some other supplements, our creatine monohydrate powder, or creatine powder, is micronized and is an effective form of creatine supplements which makes it more easily absorbed by the body. Our Creatine powder is also flavorless and has no artificial flavors. Simply add our pure creatine powder to any pre-workout shake and you're good to go!
- Supplement your Workout
Take our pure & unflavored Creatine Monohydrate powder daily to support your workouts. Each serving contains 5g, about 2 tsp, and our creatine powder is free of gluten, dairy and soy for those with dietary restrictions. Add our Creatine supplement into your daily routine and regimen in easy to use powder!
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 42,000 global ratings
I have started a body recomp journey and this creatine has made my progress take off! I am able to gain muscle and lose fat at a very steady rate. I freaking love this stuff. I love the pump I get after a lift🥰 Highly recommend to you, your momma, and everyone you know🙌🙌🙌
2. Thorne Creatine Monohydrate Powder
- Muscle Mass
Creatine is an amino acid that promotes lean body mass and supports increases in muscle endurance, muscle capacity, and power output*
- Cellular Energy Production
Creatine helps the cells of the body more efficiently create energy, thus benefiting exercise capacity*
- Brain Function
Although creatine is known for its muscle-enhancing benefits, it has also been shown to support cognitive function*
- NSF Certified For Sport
Supports high-performance nutrition programs and is NSF Certified for Sport
- Trusted
Thorne is chosen by champions and trusted by 100+ pro teams. Thorne is the only supplement manufacturer to collaborate with Mayo Clinic on wellness research and content. Thorne is also a proud partner of 11 U.S. Olympic Teams
Such a great product, not grainy, easy to scoop, love it! I saw improvements to my muscle gains immediately, after using for a week, (didn’t even load, just took the 5g scoop)
3. Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Capsules
Nutricost, located and headquartered in the USA, only uses the best ingredients to ensure maximum quality and to help you feel your best!
- 3000mg Per Serving, 750mg of Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Per Capsule
- 500 Capsules (125 Servings) of Creatine Monohydrate Per Bottle
- Simple Formulation for Maximum Effect
- Non-GMO and Gluten Free
- Manufactured In a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 4,400 global ratings
I've always had trouble building muscle mass and have stayed away from supplements other than protein shakes after a workout. Now I take Creatine Monohydrate pre workout, BCAA during workout and protein post workout.
This combo while working out 5 days per week has allowed me to put on noticeable upper body muscle in only 4 weeks. I'm confident the most important part (besides the working out of course) is the Creatine. Loaded for 5 days as per the instructions. It dissolves fairly easy in water and basically has no taste. At only $17 per jug it's well worth the money.
4. Cellucor Cor-Performance Creatine Monohydrate
- Increase strength
You workout to get stronger! COR-Performance Creatine harnesses the power of Creatine monohydrate to support you as you reach your goals
- Promotes muscle growth
Creatine is a legendary supplement for building muscle. COR-Performance Creatine highlights Creatine monohydrate to optimize lean muscle growth
- Micronized formula for better absorption
COR-Performance Creatine contains a micronized form of Creatine monohydrate Complements other muscle building products: COR-Performance Creatine comes unflavored, so you can mix it into your pre-workout or amino-recovery product to enhance results
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 6,600 global ratings
I’ve been using this creatine powder as a pre-workout for weeks! It is one of the best pre-workout, supplements that I have found! I had one scoop to one bottle of water, and that gives me energy and helps to build lean muscle that is shown real given results in my workouts!
5. Animal Chews Creatine Monohydrate - Best Creatine Chews
- The Power of Creatine in a Chew
Increase strength, boost endurance, improve workout performance, delay fatigue and promote muscle energy with this next level supplement, four chews provide 5g of Creatine
- Grab-and-Go Convenience
No messy powder, no mixing, no shaking, just toss some chews in your gym bag and enjoy the benefits of Creatine wherever you are
- Superior Formula For Better Results
This clinically tested formulation combines Creatine Monohydrate with Sea Salt and patented ingredients to go beyond what creatine alone can offer
- Made to the Highest Quality & Safety Standards
All of our products are produced in our GMP certified US plant, and every batch is 3rd party lab tested for quality, safety and potency; thanks to our intentional formulations our products work synergistically across our range
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 - more than 1,200 global ratings
6. Bucked Up Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
- 5000mg of Creatine Monohydrate per Serving
- 50 Servings/250g per Bottle - Powder is Unflavored, Vegetarian & Non GMO
- Complements your Workouts, for Daily Life, and Focus in the Gym
- Cellular Hydration - Hence why some otherwise dehydrated folks complain about looking soft the first week of starting Creatine Monohydrate
- Ultra High Quality Creatine Monohydrate - Manufactured in a GMP Compliant Facility that is FDA Registered
I'm taking 10G a day (5 in the morning, 5 in the evening) as a supplement for workouts, and I am noticing my muscles are definitely feeling better the longer ive used it. Have to keep hydrated though!
7. NatureBell Creatine Monohydrate Powder
NatureBell pure, unflavored creatine monohydrate powder. The perfect pre workout or post workout powder drink additive that is created with micronized ingredients for overall superior absorption. Effortlessly mix or combine with any of your favorite drinks and fitness supplements for the ultimate performance inside and outside the gym.
Easily absorbed Non-GMO creatine powder. Made with keto & vegan friendly ingredients that are free of gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, fish/shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. It is also 3rd party lab tested for purity and potency.
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 4,100 global ratings
I have gotten great results from this Creatine. At 71, it's not so easy to gain or even get back muscle. Follow the instructions to start and you'll get and feel the results from your workout. I'm getting back the muscle I've lost from neglecting my workouts.
FAQ
a. How to Maximise Creatine Results
To maximize the potential benefits of creatine supplementation for muscle growth, here are some recommendations:- Follow a loading phase: For the first 5-7 days, you can follow a loading phase to quickly saturate your muscles with creatine. Take four equal doses of a higher creatine dosage, typically around 20 grams per day, during this phase. This loading phase helps to rapidly increase creatine levels in the muscles.
- Transition to a maintenance phase: After the loading phase, switch to the maintenance phase, where you take in less creatine to keep your muscle creatine levels elevated. An average maintenance dose is between 3 and 5 grams per day.
- Timing and consistency: Take your creatine supplement consistently every day to ensure a continuous supply of creatine to your muscles. Although there isn't a spesific "best" time to take creatine, it is frequently advised to take it around your workout to maximize its absorption during intense exercise. However, it will still be beneficial to take it at any time of the day.
- Pair with resistance training: Creatine has advantages on its own, but combining it with resistance training can promote muscle growth even more. Regularly lift weights or perform other resistance exercises to promote muscle growth and make use of the extra energy that creatine provides.
- Combine with carbohydrates: Consuming creatine with carbohydrates may enhance its uptake into the muscles. However, some studies are not supporting this statement.
- Stay well-hydrated: Creatine can cause water retention within the muscles, so it's important to stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Always drink a sufficient daily water intake to support overall hydration and to prevent any potential side effects.
- Keep a healthy diet: Make sure you're getting enough calories and maintaining a healthy diet to support your training objectives.
- Consult with experts: Before beginning any supplementation regimen, it is always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional, sports nutritionist, or registered dietitian. They can make personalized recommendations based on your individual requirements, state of health, and training targets.
Keep in mind that different people may react differently to creatine supplements. While some people might benefit significantly, others might only experience minor effects. Maximizing the potential benefits of creatine for muscle growth requires patience, consistency, and a wholistic approach to training and nutrition.
b. Is It Necessary to Cycle Creatine?
The necessity of cycling creatine is not well supported by research. Many people opt to use creatine nonstop without stopping. If you'd rather cycle creatine, you can take it for a set amount of time (for example, 8–12 weeks), then take a break for 4–8 weeks, and then resume supplementation. Cycling is a personal preference so it might not be required for everyone.
Our Take
Creatine itself does not directly build muscle. However, by enhancing strength, power, and exercise performance, it can indirectly promote muscle growth. By improving these factors, creatine supplementation can allow individuals to train harder and recover faster, potentially leading to increased muscle growth over time.
When used as recommended, creatine is generally considered as safe for the majority of users, but it can have a few minor side effects, like gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle cramps, or weight gain from water retention. Additionally, it is always advised to seek medical advice before adding any type of creatine supplement into your regimen, especially if you have ongoing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
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