
Creatine Guide: 6 Must-Know Benefits & How to Use It
What Is Creatine? A Safe and Effective Choice for Everyone
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells that helps regenerate ATP—the body’s main energy source during high-intensity activity. Supplementation has been shown to increase strength, endurance, and recovery, making it one of the most well-researched performance enhancers available today (Kreider et al., 2022).
Read on to discover 6 proven benefits of creatine, how to take it for best results, and the science behind its most talked-about side effects.
6 Evidence-Based Benefits of Creatine
1. Increase Strength by 25% in Only 6 Weeks
Creatine increases ATP production, fueling short bursts of effort like lifting or sprinting. In a 2020 trial, participants taking creatine while resistance training increased their maximal strength by 17–25% in just six weeks (Rawson et al., 2020).
2. Proven Muscle Gains: 1.37kg Added with Creatine
Creatine enhances muscle cell hydration and protein synthesis, which promotes lean mass development. Participants in an 8-week study gained 1.37 kg more lean muscle compared to placebo (Candow et al., 2021), with no increase in fat mass.
3. Speed Up Recovery Time by 20%
Creatine helps reduce muscle inflammation and tissue damage after training. A 2022 review found that those supplementing with creatine experienced up to 20% faster recovery post-exercise (Andres et al., 2022).
4. Improve Endurance by 15% in Just 4 Weeks
While often linked to strength, creatine also boosts endurance. A 2021 study found that supplementing improved aerobic capacity by 15% over four weeks of high-intensity interval training (Branch et al., 2021).
5. Significantly Improve Memory & Cognitive Speed
Creatine enhances brain energy metabolism and may improve mental performance. A 2019 RCT showed notable improvements in working memory and processing speed after just eight weeks of use, especially in those with lower dietary creatine intake (Avgerinos et al., 2019).
6. Enhance Hydration and Muscle Function
Creatine draws water into muscle cells, improving hydration by 2.2–2.5% and helping regulate electrolytes during intense training (Kaviani et al., 2020). This helps sustain muscle function and prevent fatigue.
Creatine Timing & Dosage: The Formula for Full Benefits
The optimal creatine dosage depends on your goal—but if you want to experience the full range of benefits (like faster recovery, improved cognition, and lean muscle growth), timing and dosage matter.
- Loading Phase (Optional): 20g daily (split into 4 doses) for 5–7 days—shown to saturate muscle creatine stores quickly (Kreider et al., 2022).
- Maintenance Phase: 3–5g daily to maintain peak performance.
- Long-Term Use: 3–5g per day for sustained strength, endurance, and brain function benefits.
Timing Creatine Intake: When to Take It for Maximum Effect
While daily intake matters most, timing can support specific goals:
- Before Workouts: May boost short-term strength and energy
- After Workouts: Supports recovery and muscle repair—especially with carbs and protein
- Anytime Daily: A consistent routine ensures muscle saturation and long-term benefit (Kreider et al., 2022)
3 Effortless Ways to Make Creatine Part of Your Routine
Creatine is tasteless, dissolves quickly, and can be stacked with other supplements:
- Mix with water, juice, or your morning protein shake.
- Pair with carbohydrates to enhance absorption (Andres et al., 2020).
- Stack with pre- or post-workout formulas for better synergy.
The Truth Behind 3 Common Creatine Myths
Creatine is one of the safest supplements available, backed by decades of research (Kreider et al., 2022). Here are the facts:
- Water Retention: Temporary weight gain of 0.6–1.2 kg may occur due to increased water in muscles—this helps hydration and performance (Smith-Ryan et al., 2021)
- Kidney Health: No adverse effects on kidney function have been reported in healthy individuals, even with long-term use up to 5 years (Forbes et al., 2021)
- Bloating or GI Upset: Fewer than 7% of users report mild bloating, mostly during loading phases—this usually resolves within 1–2 weeks (Kaviani et al., 2020)
Where to Get High-Quality, Science-Backed Creatine
For best results, choose pharmaceutical-grade, third-party tested creatine. Avoid blends with fillers or additives.
Try Bulk Nutrients Creatine Monohydrate—Australia’s highest-rated option. Check the reviews to see the hundreds of users reporting better strength, energy, recovery, and focus.
With creatine, quality and consistency make all the difference.
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