Many weightlifters wonder about the shelf life of creatine. That is, they ask if, if it happens, it expires.
The concern is that once creatine has passed its expiration date, it may become ineffective and dangerous.
Online opinions on this topic vary widely.
Some treat creatine as a permanent strength, dismissing expiration dates as just a rule of thumb. Some say that creatine degrades quickly when exposed, especially in hot and humid conditions.
In this article, we will examine the scientific evidence to cut through the noise. We will explain how long term creatinewhat should you do if you think of yours creatine is expiredand more.
Does Creatine Monohydrate Expire?
Although research examining creatine expiration is limited, available research suggests that creatine does expire, but not for several years.
For example, in a learn published in the journal Amino Acidsresearchers found that powdered creatine is “stable” (doesn’t change its position) and is less likely to break down. creatinine (waste product) even when exposed high temperatures (up to 104°F) for up to 3 years.
Other learn showed that even after 44 months of storage at 140°F, only small amounts of creatine broke down into creatinine.
Things are different from liquids forms of creatine.
Supplement companies often “suspend,” or premix, creatine with a liquid (usually water), claiming that this improves absorption, reduces bloating, and reduces the amount needed to get benefits.
But research shows that this does a break down to creatinine very quickly. In other words, liquid creatine supplements they are more or less.
Creatine’s Shelf Life
While creatine supplements usually comes with an expiration date, it’s unclear how accurate these dates are.
Given that many therapeutic compounds save at least 70-to-80% of their strength a year or two after it expiration dateit’s reasonable to assume that a supplement like creatine would be the same.
So, as long as you keep creatine in a cool, dry nature, you can be sure shelf life of creatine it will add at least its worth expiration date and maybe a few years beyond it.
The Way of Consciousness Expired Creatine
No studies have investigated that expired creatine it is very different from the “new” creatine. However, for many of the same reasons improve unusual smell, taste, and texture when reduced, expired creatine may be the same.
In other words, if your creatine smells, tastes, or looks different than when you bought it, it probably makes sense to replace it.
These changes may indicate the presence of bacteria or impurities or that the creatine has changed chemically, making it ineffective and possibly unsafe.
Another common concern is creatine becoming “clumpy.” Although many think that powerful creatine it is not safe, in fact, it is not harmful, but it may not work properly.
Clumps form when the powder absorbs moisture from the air, accelerating its breakdown into creatinine and reducing its potency.
What Happens When You Take Expired Creatine?
More studies show that creatine is safe to take, even in large doses over a long period of time, and there is no evidence that expired creatine causes any harm.
The biggest problem with expired creatine is that it may not be as effective as new creatine.
To ensure that your creatine maximizes muscle growth, strength gains, and recovery as intended, only take creatine monohydrate powder that looks, tastes, and smells as you would expect, and ideally, use it before its expiration date.
How To Store Creatine To Extend Its Shelf Life
Storing your creatine properly is key to keeping it fresh and effective. Here are some final storage tips to ensure your creatine has a long shelf life:
- Store it in a dry place: Creatine is a compound osmotically active thing, which means that it draws in water. This causes it to curl and break quickly, so you should always aim to store it in a dry place.
- Finally closed: Seal the creatine container or bag tightly to keep air and moisture out. If it doesn’t come in an airtight package, transfer it to one.
- Use clean, dry scoops: Measure your creatine using a clean, dry scoop. Using a dirty or wet scoop may compromise the quality and longevity of your supplement.
What’s Best A form of Creatine?
You can buy many different types of creatine–creatine ethyl estercreatine nitrate, creatine HCLcreatine magnesium chelate, and creatine pyruvate, just to name a few.
Most of these forms fill your body effectively creatine storeswhich helps speed up the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and thus increase energy levels. As a result, almost all of them creatine products can improve exercise performance similarly.
However, Creatine monohydrate supplements they are the most read, the safest, and the most affordable, which is why I put them before all the others creatine powders in the market.
For a natural source of micronized creatine monohydrate that includes other ingredients that promote muscle growth and improve recovery, try Recharge.
FAQ #1: Does creatine go bad quickly in the heat?
Research shows that creatine does not break down as quickly when stored in heat, even at temperatures up to 140°F for long periods of time.
FAQ #2: Is clumpy creatine bad?
Clumpy creatine isn’t necessarily bad or unsafe but it may not work well. Clumping usually occurs when the creatine absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause the creatinine to degrade faster, reducing its potency.
While you can still use clumpy creatine, it’s a good idea to check for other signs of degradation, such as a strange smell or taste. If any of these are present, disabling your add-on is a good idea.
FAQ #3: Is expired creatine safe?
There is no evidence that expired creatine is harmful, but it may not be as effective as new creatine. If your creatine has expired, it’s important to check that it smells, tastes, and looks normal. If not, getting a new set is probably wise.
FAQ #4: How long does creatine last when opened?
If stored properly, creatine should last at least three years, possibly much longer. That said, even though creatine doesn’t “go well,” like food, it can become ineffective over time, especially if it’s exposed to moisture.
FAQ #5: Does creatine expire in water?
Yes, creatine does expire in water. When you dissolve creatine in liquid, it begins to break down into creatinine, a byproduct that does not increase muscle gain or strength. This deterioration can happen quickly, especially in warm conditions or if left outside for a long time.
To get the most benefit from creatine, take it immediately after mixing it in water, preferably within a few hours.