Creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied supplements. Yet questions persist about the right dose, whether a loading phase is needed, and when to take it. See our complete guide for fundamentals.
The validated dose: 3 to 5 g per day
EFSA validated the physical performance claim at 3 g of creatine monohydrate per day. ISSN recommends 3–5 g/day for long-term maintenance.
Cuure's Creatine Creapure® provides 3.4 g per measured scoop.
Loading phase: useful, not essential
20 g/day in 4 doses for 5–7 days saturates muscles in ~5 days vs ~28 days with maintenance alone. End result identical. Loading may cause digestive discomfort in some people.
| Protocol | Dose | Saturation in | Drawbacks |
|---|
| Maintenance | 3–5 g/day | ~28 days | None |
| Load + maintenance | 20 g/day × 5–7 d, then 3–5 g/day | ~5 days | Possible digestive discomfort |
When to take creatine?
Timing has limited importance. Post-workout with carbohydrates is slightly favoured. Consistency matters far more than timing.
Duration: continuous or cycles?
Continuous use is best documented. No evidence that cycling offers advantages. Stores return to baseline 4–6 weeks after stopping.