What is Creatine? 

Creatine is an amino acid found in your body's muscles and brain. People gain creatine from seafood and red meat. The kidneys, pancreas, and liver produce about 1g of creatine per day. Your body stores creatine in the form of phosphocreatine in muscles to offer energy. If you are a bodybuilder or involved in sports activities, creatine improves muscle mass and athletic performance.

Moreover, creatine monohydrate helps prevent and treat certain brain disorders, congestive heart failure, and neuromuscular conditions. You can also get creatine from natural foods. However, if you are into intense workouts, you need a creatine supplement to supply more energy to your muscles and keep them hydrated!

Furthermore, creatine powder builds strength, improves stamina, and protects from fatigue during workouts. You can find many creatine supplements on the market, but creatine monohydrate is the most effective and widely consumed supplement by bodybuilders.

Creatine Benefits

A creatine supplement powder has many advantages. After much research, it is concluded that creatine is safe to consume and not a steroid! Below are some important creatine benefits you should know:

• Creatine for Muscle Growth: Creatine is among the best health supplements to speed up muscle growth. Thus, creatine powder is proven to increase muscle size within 5-7 days of consumption. It happens because creatine increases water content in muscles.

• Creatine for Brain Health: Your brain constantly needs energy. Creatine stored in the brain also supplies creatine. Low energy leads to cell death and increases the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Equally important, vegetarian elderly people are more prone to neurological diseases. Thus, creatine powder repairs damaged cells of the brain and slows down disease progression.

• Creatine for Strength: If you are an athlete or a bodybuilder, you need more strength for better performance. Creatine supplement increases strength, and muscle mass, and contributes to overall performance. Therefore, it is widely consumed by athletes involved in intense workouts.

• Controls Blood Sugar Levels: Creatine powder is known to control blood sugar levels. When you eat a meal rich in carbohydrates, creatine is beneficial. If you are suffering from diabetes, consult a healthcare professional before consuming creatine.

• Helps in Injury Prevention: Creatine monohydrate reduces the frequency of dehydration, muscle injury, and muscle cramps.

• Promotes Muscle Synthesis: Creatine is known to promote muscle synthesis. It stimulates the synthesis of new muscle fibers. Furthermore, it increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.

What Does Creatine Contain?

Ever wondered what is creatine content? Well, creatine is made of 3 amino acids L-arginine, L-methionine, and glycine. 1% of total human blood is made up of creatine. Moreover, 95% of creatine is found in skeletal muscles, and the remaining 5% is in the brain.

Creatine Types

There are various forms of creatine in health supplements. It is widely used by bodybuilders to enhance workout performance. Below are the important creatine types you should know:

• Creatine Monohydrate: The most common and researched form of creatine, Creatine monohydrate contains creatine with a water molecule. Fitness enthusiasts consume it to build new muscles, improve muscle strength, and keep it hydrated!

• Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl): Creatine Hydrochloride is more soluble than monohydrate. When consumed, it reduces the chances of an upset stomach. However, it is a less-researched creatine type.

• Creatine Ethyl Ester (CEE): Creatine Ethyl Ester is a more absorbable form of creatine. However, it is not a recommended creatine type as it can worsen creatine levels in the muscles and blood.

• Creatine Nitrate: Combined with nitric oxide to improve oxygen delivery and blood flow to the muscles, creatine nitrate is a new form of supplement. Thus, it needs more clinical research!

• Buffered Creatine: Buffered creatine contains alkaline powder. It acts as a buffer and prevents bloating. However, there is no exceptional benefit as compared to creatine monohydrate.

How to Choose the Best Creatine

If you are a bodybuilder or an athlete, it is important to choose the best creatine. Creatine supplement is consumed to increase muscle mass and strength. Here is step by step guide to buying the best creatine supplement:

Buy Creatine Monohydrate: It is the safest and most effective form of creatine. Being the most researched creatine, there are other forms of creatine, but not as effective as monohydrate!

• Choose Powder Form Over Pills: Creatine powder is considered the best form of creatine. Thus, you can easily consume it by mixing it in water. If you choose creatine pills, you have to take 2 to 5 capsules to meet the daily requirement of 5g dosage.

• Buy Unflavored Creatine: Unflavored creatines are free from artificial colours, additives, and preservatives. Hence, you should buy an unflavored creatine supplement.

• Choose A Reputed Brand: There are many health supplement brands in the market. However, you should choose a well-known brand that sells certified creatine powder. This ensures high-quality ingredients and best quality.

• Check Authenticity: To buy the best creatine gym powder, you should always check its authenticity. Original supplements should be the first choice of every athlete and bodybuilder. Find the authenticity information on the product label.

How to Use Creatine?

When taken as a post-workout supplement, creatine powder is a great fuel to improve performance. However, many professional athletes take creatine at any time during the day. To know how to use creatine, read below:

• Start from Loading Phase: You should start taking creatine from the loading phase. During the loading phase, your body will get habitual of absorbing creatine in muscles. You should consume approximately 20g of creatine powder daily in small amounts throughout the day.

• Period of Maintenance: After the loading phase, reduce the creatine dosage. Take about 3 to 5g of creatine supplement to keep the creation levels high in your body. 

• Combine with a Drink: You can mix creatine powder in your preferred drink or simply water. Mix well before drinking your supplement!

• Follow Timing: You can consume creatine supplements any time of the day. Many bodybuilders prefer consuming creatine before and or after the workout, depending on your fitness goal. It improves muscle growth and recovery.

• Maintain Consistency: To take the maximum benefits of creatine, it is important to consume creatine every day. Thus, you can even take it on rest days to maintain the creatine levels in your muscles.

• Hydration is Important: When consuming creatine, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps in better absorption and utilization of the supplement!

When to Use Creatine

You can consume creatine supplements any time of the day. However, if you are into serious bodybuilding training, you should consume it, particularly in the required time.

• Pre-Workout: You can consume creatine powder before a workout. This ensures enough creatine available in your muscles. Moreover, it enhances your athletic performance and builds muscle endurance.

• Post-Workout: Many bodybuilders and athletes prefer to consume a creatine supplement after a workout. Taking creatine post-workout ensures faster muscle growth and recovery.

• Anytime During the Day: You can consume creatine anytime during the day. Choose the time of the day that suits your routine. Hence, creation consumption is more important than the timing! In addition, you can take creatine with any meal of the day, or simply with no meal at all!

Is Creatine Safe to Consume?

Generally, creatine is safe to consume. So, there is no need to think too much before consuming it! Creatine is one of the most researched dietary supplements that has no particular harmful effects.

However, you need to follow the recommended dosage per day as exceeding it may cause minor side effects. These side effects include nausea, muscle cramps, abdominal pain, upset stomach, and frequent bowel movements.

What are Precautions of Creatine?

For most people, consuming creatine is safe! However, it is important to know the precautions associated with it! Below is the crucial information you should know:

• For safe results, consume up to 25 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for up to 14 days. Do not exceed the dosage!

• Lower doses to 4-5 grams per day for up to 18 months.

• Consuming 10 grams of creatine supplement per day for up to 5 years is safe.

• Exceeding the recommended dosage may cause muscle cramps, dehydration, and upset stomach. Consult a healthcare professional if you suffer from any health issue.

Creatine Side Effects

Creatine monohydrate is considered safe to consume when taken as directed. However, safety also depends on other factors like individual health, product quality, and dosage. Below are some common side effects of creatine you should know:

• Muscle Cramps: Some individuals feel stiffness in muscles after using creatine. This is because creatine is known to cause dehydration and not consuming plenty of water causes muscle cramps.

• Weight Gain: Creatine holds more water in our muscles, which seems to increase some weight. However, creatine is not a weight gainer and it only holds water in your muscles.

• Stomach Upset: Some people may suffer from stomach problems like stomach upset and mild anxiety. However, these are minor side effects and do not impact your performance.

• Muscle Strains & Pulls: The creatine supplement is used to enhance performance, making you more capable of intense workouts. Thus, it can cause muscle strains due to extended workout time.

• Dizziness: Some people may suffer from dizziness. To avoid this, drink plenty of water throughout the day and stay hydrated!

• Diarrhea: For any health supplement, following the recommended dosage is important. Exceeding creatine dosage per day can cause diarrhea. Consult a health professional if you suffer from any bad experience.

• High Blood Pressure: Due to high doses of creatine powder, some people may face problems with high blood pressure.

How Does Creatine Work?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound produced by the body. It can also be found in small amounts in many foods. Thus, creatine is stored in your muscles and the body uses it as a quick source of energy during intense physical activity. When you consume a creatine supplement, it increases the creatine phosphate stores in your muscles. This allows the body to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate. Moreover, creatine powder helps improve the workout performance of weightlifting and sprinting. In addition, creatine monohydrate draws more water into your muscles, promoting muscle growth!

Top Creatine Brands in India

There are many creatine brands in the market you can choose from! However, choosing the right brand could be overwhelming as many options are available. Below are the top creatine brands in India you should know:

• One Science: Abbreviated as OSN, One Science Nutrition is a popular brand in various health supplements. One Science 100% Micronised Creatine is a high-quality creatine supplement containing 3g creatine monohydrate and a 100-serving pack.

• Labrada: Labrada is an imported brand known for its high-quality ingredients and promising range of dietary supplements. Labrada Crealean is a creatine supplement that contains 3g of creatine and 83 servings.

• MyoGenetix: Made in the USA, Myogenetix offers a wide range of supplements including creatine. monohydrate. Ideal for strength and endurance, a 300g pack contains 100 servings.

• MuscleTech: MuscleTech needs no introduction when it comes to the best health supplements in India. Thus, it offers 100% Creatine with high-quality ingredients. It comes in a 250g pack that contains 83 servings.

• Optimum Nutrition: Optimum Nutrition (ON) is among the top creatine brands in India not only for creatine but for a wide range of supplements. Containing 3g of creatine, it is best for making your workout performance better!

• Asitis: Asitis Creatine Monohydrate is another great supplement that is 100% dope free. It is best for muscle building, boosting strength, and enhancing overall performance. What's more, Asitis creatine comes in various delectable flavors such as Mint Mojito Flavor, Kiwi Fusion, Coffee Fusion, and Blue Razz Fusion.

• Biogene Pharma: Made in Belgium, Biogene Pharma is a reputed supplement brand. Biogene Creatine comes in a monohydrate form and contains 83 servings.

• GNC: Having a wide range of health supplements like whey protein and weight gainers, GNC is a reputed brand among bodybuilders. The GNC micronized creatine monohydrate is best to improve athletic performance and fuel muscles.

• Gibbon: If you are looking for an affordable, yet the best-quality creatine, then Gibbon is for you! With 3000mg of creatine per serving, it is a robust supplement to boost strength and increase muscle power.

• Repfuel Sports: Another game changer in the world of fitness is Repfuel Sports. Elevate your workout performance with Repfuel's Max Out is an unflavored creatine monohydrate powder with 3000mg of creatine.

10 Best Creatine Supplements Online in India

There are many creatine powder options available in the market. Thus, it becomes a challenge to choose among the best creatine supplements online in India. This is because every brand differs in terms of quality, content, and flavours. Below is a list of the 10 best-selling creatine supplements in India:

• Labrada Crealean

• One Science 100% Micronized Creatine

• MyoGenetix Creatine

• Repfuel Max Out Creatine

• Optimum Nutrition Micronised Creatine Powder

• MuscleTech 100% Creatine

• Asitis Creatine Monohydrate

• Biogene Pharma Creatine

• Gibbon Creatine Monohydrate

• GNC Creatine Monohydrate Micronised

Creatine Supplement Powder Price List in India - Nutriride

Why Buy Creatine from Nutriride?

At Nutriride, get 100% authentic creatine supplements, sourced directly from the manufacturers. To check originality, you can always check the authenticity label, or call on our customer care number for assistance. You can check the authenticity certificates here! At Nutriride, buy original whey proteins, mass gainers, BCAAs, pre-workout, and more at affordable prices.

In addition, take benefit of the latest creatine offers, discounts, and exciting deals. What's more, Nutriride offers pay-later and easy installment options, so that you don't face any budget problem to meet your fitness goals. In case you are not satisfied, you can return your product within 7 days. T&C Apply!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Creatine Powder

1) Will Creatine Increase Weight?

Creatine powder is a well-researched supplement to improve physical performance. It holds water in muscles that can make you gain weight and feel fuller. However, creatine is not a part of weight management. It keeps your muscles hydrated to recover faster.

2) Are Creatine Supplements Safe?

Yes, consuming creatine powder is safe. You just need to take care of the daily dosage. If you exceed the recommended serving per day, it may cause side effects. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!

3) Can Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

No, creatine supplements do not cause hair loss and there is no scientific evidence. Hair loss is linked to factors like heredity and hormonal changes.

4) How Creatine Works?

Creatine works by replenishing ATP stores in muscles. It supports strength, enhances muscle energy production, and aids in faster muscle recovery.

5) What Creatine Does?

Creatine plays an important role in the fitness journey. It replenishes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), allowing it to promote muscle strength, power, and faster recovery. Further, creatine powder enhances cell hydration and stimulates muscle growth.

6) When Creatine Should Be Taken?

If you are doing an intense workout, you can consume before or immediately after the exercise. This helps in effective muscle growth and recovery. Additionally, if you are in a loading phase, take higher doses of creatine powder, followed by a maintenance phase for prolonged benefits.

7) Where Creatine is Found?

Creatine is naturally found in minimal amounts in meat and fish. However, these diet levels are low and you have to buy creatine supplements to meet the daily requirement. Creatine enhances workout performance and promotes faster muscle recovery.

8) Which Creatine is Best?

A good creatine supplement is characterized by its purity, with monohydrate being the most researched and proven form. It should have minimal additives or fillers. Additionally, reputable brands that adhere to quality standards and provide clear product information contribute to the effectiveness of creatine supplements.

9) Why Creatine is Used?

Creatine is a sports supplement consumed to enhance athletic performance. Therefore, it increases the stores of phosphocreatine in the body which leads to improved energy production. If you are an athlete or a bodybuilder and practice intense workouts, creatine powder is the best supplement to increase power, strength, and muscle gains.