When to Take Creatine

Creatine is a very popular supplement with proven results; however, you must know when to take Creatine to get the best results possible.  Research shows that the most rapid way to increase Creatine stores in the muscle is to follow a loading method, which means to load the body with Creatine.  Once muscle Creatine stores are saturated, studies show that you only need to take the recommended 3 to 5 grams of Creatine daily in order to maintain your elevated Creatine stores.  Loading will speed up your muscles response.

Click here to safely avoid the loading face and get better results: When To Take Creatine

If you are looking at when to take Creatine, you need to know that most of the Creatine is used up by muscle during the first two days of the loading period.  Several other studies demonstrate that taking a low dose (2 to 3 grams per day) over a longer period of time had no effect on exercise capacity. Therefore, it appears that the most effective way to increase Creatine stores in the muscle is to follow the Creatine loading technique.  Beware, taking the large daily Creatine dosage required for loading can cause stomach upset in some and it can also be more expensive. 

Many athletes also use Creatine to enhance their games, and must know when to take Creatine as well.  It is recommended that athletes take Creatine with a high carbohydrate drink, for example fruit juice or with a carbohydrate supplement in order to increase insulin and promote Creatine uptake.  Since insulin levels enhance Creatine uptake, taking Creatine after exercise with a carbohydrate or protein supplement may be an effective way to increase and maintain muscle Creatine stores.  Take your Creatine as soon as possible after exercising also because immediately following exercise your muscles are most receptive to the muscle building effects of insulin.

There is also an opposing view that states that Creatine should be taken before the workout so that the supplies will be available to the muscles while you workout.  This view believes that you should take Creatine an hour before your workout so that during your workout, when the supply that  you have in your muscles from the day before is depleted, your body can draw on the new supply you have taken.  However, if your workout is too short or you wait too long after taking the Creatine to begin exercising, then the Creatine in your bloodstream may be excreted before it can be used.

You will find many opposing viewpoints regarding when to take Creatine, but the truth is that there is no perfect time to take the supplement.  If you are informed on how the supplement works, you can make a decision on which method will work best for you.  Your body only produces and stores a certain amount of Creatine in the muscles.  Studies show that your muscle can store up to 5 grams of Creatine per kilogram of body weight, this means that the rest will be wasted.  Wasted Creatine and wasted money, which is not necessary if you figure out the best way for your body will accept the supplement.

For more information on when to take creatine and how to make it 100% absorbable to maximize your muscle gains, click here now!

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