Are you considering taking creatine as a supplement to enhance your performance during workouts, but wondering how long does creatine take to work? Then you are at the right place- we have reviewed more than 10 creatine brands, taking data from over 10,0000 users of different creatine brands. What we found is that there are three main types of creatine – Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine HCL, and Super Creatine – each with its own unique characteristics and timelines for effectiveness. In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of creatine and explore how long each one takes to work, so you can make an informed decision about which type of creatine is right for you.
Top 10 Creatine Brands We Have Reviewed
- RYSE Creatine
- Thorne Creatine
- Con Cret Creatine
- Naked Creatine
- Super Creatine
- GNC Creatine
- BodyTech Creatine
- Beyond Raw Creatine
- Nutricost Creatine
- Six Star Creatine
Looking to learn more about each of these creatine brands? We’ve got you covered! Simply click on each one and you’ll be redirected to our comprehensive reviews, where we dive deep into everything you need to know.
From explaining what each brand is and how they work to discussing their unique benefits and potential drawbacks, our articles have got all the information you need to make an informed decision about which creatine brand is right for you.
How Long Does Creatine Take To Work?
Creatine is a popular dietary supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, used to increase strength and muscle mass. It is a natural substance found in our muscles, but supplementing with creatine can further enhance its benefits.
One of the most common questions people have about creatine is how long does it take for creatine to work. The answer, however, is not straightforward, as there are different types of creatine available in the market, each with its own unique characteristics and timeframes for efficacy.
Let’s dive into the details of the three main types of creatine: Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine HCL, and Super Creatine, and explore how long each takes to work.
But before we get into the specifics, let’s first understand how creatine works in the body.
Creatine helps to replenish the energy stored in our muscles, which are used during high-intensity exercises such as weightlifting and sprinting. By increasing the amount of creatine in our muscles, we can increase our energy output during workouts, which can translate to improved performance and increased muscle mass over time.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the different types of creatine and how long they take to work.
How Long Does Creatine Take To Work: Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is a popular supplement that is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase their muscular strength, power, and endurance. However, many people who are new to using creatine may be unsure about how long it takes for creatine monohydrate to work.
How Does Creatine Monohydrate Work?
When you take creatine monohydrate, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to the muscles. Once it reaches the muscles, it is converted to phosphocreatine, which is then used to produce ATP. ATP is used to provide energy to the muscles during high-intensity exercise. By increasing the concentration of creatine in the muscles, creatine monohydrate can increase the amount of phosphocreatine that is available to produce ATP, which can improve muscular performance.
How Long Does It Take for Creatine Monohydrate to Work?
It typically takes 2-4 weeks for Creatine Monohydrate to start working. It’s important to note that there are other factors to consider when it comes to taking this supplement. From proper dosing to various phases of use, there are several important considerations to keep in mind if you want to maximize the benefits of Creatine Monohydrate. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind when it comes to the timing of creatine supplementation.
Loading Phase
One of the most common ways to take creatine monohydrate is to use a loading phase. During this phase, you take a larger amount of creatine for the first week or two to quickly saturate your muscles with creatine. The loading phase typically involves taking 20-25 grams of creatine per day for the first week and then reducing it to a maintenance dose of 3-8 grams per day thereafter depending on the creatine brand.
The loading phase helps to increase your muscle creatine levels faster, which may lead to faster results in terms of muscle strength and power. However, some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort during the loading phase, such as bloating and diarrhea, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Maintenance Phase
After the loading phase, you can move into the maintenance phase, which involves taking a smaller dose of creatine each day to maintain your muscle creatine levels. The maintenance dose is typically 3-8 grams per day, and you can take it at any time of the day that’s convenient for you.
While the loading and maintenance phases can give you a general idea of how long does it take for creatine to work, there are other factors that can affect the timing as well. After the loading phase which takes 1-2 weeks, you will start experiencing the benefits of taking creatine.
It has been shown to be effective in increasing muscle strength and size, and studies have suggested that it can take between 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use to see significant results.
Examples of creatine monohydrate supplements include The Power of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate: Reviews from 2000 Users, The Best GNC Creatine Monohydrate: Experiment with 500 Users
How Long Does Creatine HCL Take To Work
Creatine HCL is a form of creatine supplement that is used to enhance athletic performance, increase strength, and promote muscle growth. It is a more water-soluble form of creatine that is believed to be more easily absorbed by the body compared to other forms like creatine monohydrate.
Like other forms of creatine, creatine HCL works by increasing the availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source used by muscle cells during intense physical activity. By increasing the amount of ATP available to muscles, creatine HCL can help to delay the onset of muscle fatigue, allowing for longer and more intense workouts.
Creatine HCL does not require a loading phase like creatine monohydrate, which typically involves taking a higher dose of creatine for the first few days of use to quickly saturate muscle cells. With creatine HCL, the recommended dosage can be taken right from the start and does not need to be increased for a loading phase.
To answer your question “How long does it take for creatine HCL to work?” Based on the reviews we collected from users, most users reported experiencing the benefits of creatine HCL after 1 week of use. Check Con Cret Creatine HCL: The Ultimate Review from 1000 Real Users, Beyond Raw Creatine HCl Reviews: Experiment with 300 People
How Long Does Super Creatine Take To Work
Super Creatine is a patented form of creatine that is more soluble and effective than regular creatine. It works by increasing ATP production in the body, leading to increased strength, power, and endurance during physical activity. While the time it takes to see results may vary, users can generally expect to experience the full benefits of Super Creatine within a few weeks of consistent use.
Super Creatine is a key ingredient in Bang energy drinks and Bang pre-workout supplements. The creator of Bang energy drinks, Jack Owoc, patented Super Creatine and uses it exclusively in his products. The combination of Super Creatine with other ingredients in energy drinks and pre-workout supplements is intended to provide a quick burst of energy, increase focus, and improve athletic performance.
According to user reports, the effects of Super Creatine in Bang energy drinks are typically experienced within a few hours of consumption. On the other hand, for Bang pre-workout supplements, most users reported starting to experience benefits after 1 week of use.
To summarize how long it takes creatine to work, check the table below;
| Type of Creatine | Time to Start Seeing Benefits |
| Creatine Monohydrate | 1-2 weeks |
| Creatine HCL | 1 week |
| Super Creatine (Bang Energy Drinks) | Hours |
| Super Creatine (Bang Pre-Workout Supplements) | 1 week |
What Are The Benefits Of Using Creatine?
Whether you choose to use creatine monohydrate, creatine HCL, or super creatine, the benefits are similar. Let’s explore the major benefits of using creatine.
Increased Muscular Strength and Power
Creatine has been shown to boost adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in muscle tissue, which can increase strength and power during high-intensity workouts. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders looking to improve their performance.
Improved Endurance and Stamina
Creatine can increase the body’s phosphocreatine stores, which can delay the onset of fatigue and improve endurance during prolonged exercise. This can help individuals to train harder and longer, leading to improved physical performance.
Increased Lean Muscle Mass
Creatine helps to increase protein synthesis and stimulate muscle growth, which can lead to an increase in lean muscle mass. This can be especially beneficial for individuals looking to build muscle and improve their body composition.
Enhanced Muscle Recovery
Creatine has been shown to reduce muscle damage and inflammation, which can improve recovery time after exercise. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to speed up their recovery and reduce the risk of injury.
Increased Energy Levels
Creatine can increase ATP levels in muscle tissue, which can provide a quick burst of energy during high-intensity activities. This can be especially beneficial for individuals looking to improve their performance during short, intense workouts.
Reduced Risk of Injury and Muscle Damage
Creatine can help to improve muscle strength and reduce muscle damage during high-intensity activities, which can decrease the risk of injury. This can be beneficial for athletes and individuals engaging in high-impact sports or activities.
Improved Overall Athletic Performance
Creatine can help to increase strength, power, and endurance, which can lead to improved athletic performance in a variety of sports and activities. This can be especially beneficial for athletes looking to take their performance to the next level.
How Long Does It Take for Creatine to Work: Final Thoughts
The time it takes for creatine to work can vary depending on the type of creatine you use. On average, creatine monohydrate can take 1-2 weeks to start working, while creatine HCl and super creatine may work more quickly as they are more soluble which increases the absorption rate. Regardless of the type of creatine used and the time it takes to work, the benefits of creatine supplementation are clear. Users can expect increased muscular strength and power, improved endurance and stamina, enhanced muscle recovery, increased lean muscle mass, increased energy levels, reduced risk of injury and muscle damage, and improved overall athletic performance.
Overall, incorporating creatine into your fitness routine can be a safe and effective way to enhance physical performance and achieve your fitness goals.
