Sport, Creatine Monohydrate, Unflavored
Audit ReportUpdated 1 month ago

Sport, Creatine Monohydrate, Unflavored

by California Gold Nutrition

Transparency
0
Efficacy
0
Bioavailability
0
Safety
0

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively studied and effective sports supplements available, with decades of research supporting its ability to improve high-intensity exercise performance, increase lean muscle mass, and support neuromuscular function. The 5 g daily dose provided in this product aligns with standard maintenance dosing used in clinical trials and is sufficient to saturate muscle creatine stores over time, even without a loading phase [1].

As a dietary supplement, creatine monohydrate works by replenishing ATP during brief, intense bursts of activity—such as weightlifting or sprinting—via the phosphocreatine shuttle system. It is particularly effective in resistance-trained individuals seeking to enhance strength, power output, and training volume. Despite some controversy in early studies, meta-analyses and long-term research confirm its efficacy and safety in healthy populations [2][3].

Quick Summary

Transparency100

Full ingredient transparency with exact dosage disclosed and no proprietary blends. The label clearly states 5 g of creatine monohydrate per serving.

Efficacy85

The 5 g dose of creatine monohydrate is clinically effective for enhancing high-intensity exercise performance and increasing muscle creatine stores. As the primary ingredient at optimal dosage, it earns a high efficacy score [1][2].

Bioavailability95

Creatine monohydrate is highly bioavailable when taken orally, with approximately 95% absorption in healthy individuals. It remains the gold standard for absorbability and efficacy, earning a near-perfect score [2].

Safety90

Creatine monohydrate is safe for long-term use in healthy individuals, with no evidence of kidney damage in clinical trials [4][3]. Minor GI side effects may occur at high doses.

Suggested: 1 serving/day to reach clinical midpoint

Why Take This Product

Individuals take creatine monohydrate primarily to improve performance in high-intensity, short-duration exercises such as weightlifting, sprinting, and interval training. The 5 g dose in this product matches the recommended maintenance intake to sustain elevated muscle creatine levels, which enhances ATP regeneration during intense effort. It is especially beneficial for athletes and active individuals looking to increase strength, power, and muscle mass over time. Because creatine monohydrate is unflavored and highly soluble, it can be easily mixed into protein shakes or beverages without altering taste.

Key Benefits

  • Enhanced Exercise Performance: Creatine monohydrate increases phosphocreatine stores in skeletal muscle, enabling faster ATP regeneration during high-intensity exercise. This leads to improved performance in activities like resistance training and sprinting [1][5].
  • Increased Muscle Strength and Power: Supplementation has been shown to increase maximal strength and power output during resistance training, particularly over several weeks of consistent use [2].
  • Improved Training Capacity: Creatine helps delay fatigue during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, allowing for greater training volume and faster recovery between sets [1].
  • Supports Lean Muscle Mass: When combined with resistance training, creatine supplementation promotes greater gains in lean body mass compared to placebo [2].
  • Cognitive and Neuromuscular Benefits: Emerging evidence suggests creatine may support brain health and neuromuscular function, particularly under conditions of metabolic stress or sleep deprivation (cited in broader literature beyond provided PMIDs).

Who Should Take This

This product is ideal for athletes, bodybuilders, and active individuals engaged in resistance or high-intensity training who want to improve strength, power, and muscle mass. It may also benefit older adults seeking to preserve muscle function and support healthy aging. Both males and females respond positively to creatine supplementation, though individual responses may vary based on baseline creatine levels (e.g., vegetarians often see greater gains) [5].

Potential Side Effects

Creatine monohydrate is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effect is mild water retention or bloating, especially during loading phases. Some users report gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses. Long-term studies show no adverse effects on kidney function in healthy individuals [4][3]. However, individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use. There is no strong evidence linking creatine to dehydration or cramping, contrary to popular myths.

Ingredient Breakdown

The formulation contains only one active ingredient: creatine monohydrate. This unflavored, pure form ensures maximum transparency and avoids unnecessary additives that could reduce efficacy or cause sensitivities.

Primary Ingredients

Creatine Monohydrate

Increases muscle phosphocreatine stores to enhance ATP regeneration during high-intensity exercise

5 g
per capsuleGoal: 3-5 g

Dose of 5 g/day is within the clinically effective range for maintenance (0.03 g/kg/day for a 70–165 kg individual) and matches standard protocols [1]. No other form, including creatine ethyl ester, has demonstrated superior efficacy [2].

Creatine monohydrate is the most studied and effective form of creatine, proven to improve strength, power, and high-intensity exercise performance. It is safe, well-absorbed, and cost-effective.

Practical Recommendations

  • Daily Maintenance Dosing: Take one 5 g serving daily, with or without food. While loading (20 g/day for 5–7 days) accelerates muscle saturation, it is not required—consistent daily intake achieves full saturation within 3–4 weeks [1].
  • Optimal Timing: Consuming creatine close to workout time—either before or after resistance training—may enhance its uptake and effects, though total daily intake matters more than precise timing.
  • Hydration And Monitoring: Maintain adequate fluid intake while using creatine. Individuals with kidney disease or those on medications affecting renal function should consult a physician prior to use.

Is it Safe?

Creatine monohydrate has an excellent long-term safety profile in healthy individuals, with over two decades of research supporting its use. Regulatory bodies worldwide recognize it as safe for inclusion in dietary supplements.

Safety & Considerations

  • Renal Precaution: Individuals with pre-existing kidney disorders should consult a healthcare provider before use, despite lack of evidence for harm in healthy users.
  • Gastrointestinal: High single doses (>10 g) may cause bloating or diarrhea in some individuals; splitting doses can mitigate this.

The Science

With 5 g of creatine monohydrate per serving—a dose validated in numerous clinical trials—this product delivers a highly effective amount to support muscle performance and training adaptations. No other form of creatine has outperformed monohydrate in head-to-head comparisons [2].

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