Creatine Monohydrate

Strong Evidence

The most effective ergogenic nutritional supplement currently available to athletes — ISSN Position Stand.

Performance
Powder
Capsule
Tablet
Last reviewed: Jan 2025

Not medical advice

Nutripedia summarises published peer-reviewed research. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

One of the most extensively studied supplements in sports nutrition, with a 30+ year evidence base. Increases phosphocreatine stores to enhance ATP regeneration during high-intensity exercise. The ISSN, ACSM, and AIS all recommend creatine monohydrate as the gold standard form.

Verdict
Strong Evidence

Grade A evidence for strength and anaerobic performance. Excellent 30-year safety profile. The most cost-effective sports supplement available.

Evidence rating: 5/5
Best Value
£0.13/dayGreat value

BulkCreatine Monohydrate Powder

Powder · 100 servings

Top Evidence
A

Muscle Strength

22 studies · 1,497 participants

A

Anaerobic Performance

15 studies · 890 participants

B

Muscle Hypertrophy

10 studies · 424 participants

View all outcomes

Evidence Database

Click any row to explore the studies behind each health outcome. Grades reflect the volume and quality of published research, not a recommendation.

GradeHealth Outcome
A
Muscle Strength22 studies
A
Anaerobic Performance15 studies
B
Muscle Hypertrophy10 studies
B
Muscle Recovery8 studies
C
Cognitive Function16 studies
D
Endurance Performance12 studies

Supplier Directory

Verified UK retailers ranked by trust and transparency. Certification badges show which quality standards each supplier meets.

Myprotein

Brand Direct
Trust: 4/5
2–4 working days
Free over £25
Free next-day over £45
UK
Informed SportNSF Certified for SportCreapureGMP Certified

Bulk

Brand Direct
Trust: 4/5
1–3 working days
Free over £35
UK
Informed SportNSF Certified for SportCreapureGMP Certified

Amazon UK

Marketplace
Trust: 3/5
1–2 days (Prime)
Free delivery with Prime
UK
Informed SportNSF Certified for SportCreapureGMP Certified

Holland & Barrett

Health Store
Trust: 5/5
3–5 working days
Free over £20
UK
Informed SportNSF Certified for SportCreapureGMP Certified

Thorne

Brand Direct
Trust: 5/5
5–10 working days
Free over £50
Ships from US
International
Informed SportNSF Certified for SportCreapureGMP Certified

Cost Comparison

Top 5 cheapest options by daily cost. Click column headers to re-sort. Prices in GBP.

Format:
Form
BulkCreatine Monohydrate Powder
Powder
£0.13
MyproteinCreatine Monohydrate Powder
Powder
£0.14
Optimum NutritionMicronised Creatine Powder
Powder
£0.17
Holland & BarrettCreatine Monohydrate Tablets 1000mg
Tablet
£0.37
ThorneCreatine
Capsule
£0.83

General Information

Dosage (Evidence-Reported)

Studies typically used3–5 g/day
Daily, any time — with carbohydrate or protein meal may enhance uptake
Optional loading: 0.3 g/kg/day for 5–7 days (split into ≤5g doses). Maintenance: 3–5g/day indefinitely. No-load approach takes 3–4 weeks to saturate.

These figures reflect what clinical studies used — not personalised recommendations.

Safety Notes

  • Transient weight gain of 1–3 kg from water retention during loading phase
  • GI discomfort at single doses >10 g — split doses to ≤5 g
  • Raises serum creatinine — inform GP before kidney function tests
  • Not recommended for pre-existing kidney disease
  • Case reports of manic episodes in bipolar disorder (2 patients)

Key Benefits

  • Significant strength and power gains — the single most effective legal ergogenic aid
  • Enhances muscle recovery after intense training (reduced damage markers at 48–90h)
  • May improve memory and processing speed under cognitive stress
  • Significant strength gains in older adults (>55) with 12+ weeks of use
  • Excellent 30-year safety profile — no clinically significant adverse effects

Quick Facts

Also known as
CrM
Creatine
Cr·H₂O
Kreatin
Phosphocreatine precursor
Available forms
Powder
Capsule
Tablet
Regulatory status

Legal food supplement (UK). No prescription required. EFSA-approved health claims for physical performance at ≥3g/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutripedia is an educational resource. Content is sourced from peer-reviewed studies and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.