Creatine is a nitrogen-containing organic compound of the carboxyl group. With the help of it, energy is exchanged in nerve and muscle cells. Carboxylic acid is widely used in athletes to increase exercise efficiency and muscle mass. For convenience, bodybuilders purchase sports nutrition in relatively large quantities. However, many do not even think about the shelf life of creatine. Duration of storage depends on the shape of the product.
Creatine Forms
Bodybuilders and powerlifters use a lot of energy during training. To replenish their reserves, they take sports nutrition with creatine. There are several forms of creatine. They all differ slightly in properties, which one is best for each athlete. The most popular forms:
- Krealkalin (Kre-Alkalyn) - Geff Golini's patented formula (2002). Increases strength, muscle endurance, improves training performance.
- Creatine anhedrous (anhydrous). The concentration of the substance in one serving is approximately 6% higher than in other forms, but this does not affect the effectiveness.
- Tartrate. The form is used for the manufacture of sports nutrition in the form of tablets, capsules, chewing plates.
- Citrate. Due to the addition of a citric acid molecule, creatine of this form is more easily soluble in water. Citrate is used to make effervescent tablets.
- Hydrochloride. The form is characterized by higher bioavailability.
- Monohydrate According to experts, the “classical” form is by far the best, well, or, at least, clinically investigated.
The last two forms are the most common. Therefore, it will not be amiss to know the shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride. This will avoid troubles.
What is the difference between creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride?
Many manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the properties of creatine through the introduction of various improvements. There have been many attempts, but monohydrate remains the unchanged leader. Not so long ago, a new form of creatine, hydrochloride, was launched. In fact, the technology has long been known and borrowed from medicine. The essence of the technology is that when hydrochloride molecules are attached to the basic substance, its solubility in water and, as a result, bioavailability are improved.
The shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride is the same, as, however, and properties. The only difference is that the hydrochloride begins to act a little faster. But this property was enough to take the second position among sports nutrition products based on nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid.
Does creatine have an expiration date?
In order to be able to sell products for beauty and health, you must obtain a certificate of conformity. According to the established rules, its validity is not established. The certificate is valid upon sale during the expiration date of the product, which is subject to this certification. Therefore, the manufacturer will not be able to sell the goods without a specified shelf life.
Creatine, in fact, is an acid that, after a certain period, changes its properties. Sports nutrition is mainly produced in powdered or solid form and can be stored for a long time. On the packages indicate the storage time, which is counted from the date of manufacture.
After opening the creatine, the expiration date is still counted from the production date. Duration of storage depends on additional components in sports nutrition.
Shelf Life of Creatine Monohydrate
This type of sports nutrition is the most popular and is produced by most specialized companies. Available in capsules or powder, which is diluted before use in water.
The production of sports nutrition in Russia is poorly developed, so the market is confidently occupied by European and American companies. The most popular creatine supplements and their shelf life:
- One of the leaders in sports nutrition Muskultech. The powder additive is packaged in jars of different volumes. MyscleTech can be stored for no more than 3 years.
- Universal Nutrition Powder Creatine Powder also has a shelf life of 3 years.
- Another popular supplement is Pure Creatine. Shelf life is 3 years.
- Kre-Alkalyn EFX capsule creatine has a shelf life of 5-6 years, depending on the product name.
- Powdered sports nutrition from Weider can be stored for 2 years.
In the production of additives, the same formulas are used, so the average shelf life of sports nutrition based on creatine is 3 years.
How long is diluted creatine stored?
Before use, creatine powder is diluted in water or juice. Typically, the mixture is prepared immediately before use, since carboxylic acid, entering the liquid medium, enters into a chemical reaction and begins to change properties.
The reaction proceeds slowly, therefore the so-called shelf life of creatine in diluted form is not more than 3 hours at t + 2 ... + 8 ° C.
The optimal liquid for diluting the additive is water. It does not destroy the structure and properties of creatine, does not cause allergies in humans and is always available. Creatine can always be diluted immediately before use.
Rules for storing creatine in powder
Creatine-based sports nutrition does not require special conditions. If there are small children in the house, you should remove the packaging in a place inaccessible to them. The temperature regime is not necessary to observe, creatine is stored at normal room temperature.
Only humidity matters. An opened jar should be stored in a dry place, a shelf located on the wall is considered a good place. The container should be tightly closed, and before use, you can periodically shake it to prevent crystallization of the powder.
If the powder began to coke, it should be kneading with your fingers. After opening, the shelf life of creatine monohydrate does not decrease. It depends on the date of manufacture. In general, storage conditions are detailed on each package. Their observance guarantees long-term safety of the product.
Is expired creatine dangerous?
There are times when sports nutrition does not have time to consume before the expiration of the storage period. Additives are expensive and it is a pity to throw out.
On all packages, the manufacturer indicates the expiration date of creatine, after which the use of the product is unsafe. In most cases, companies are insured. It is believed that the supplement is not only safe to use, but also effective for six months after the expiration of the term. True, there is one thing: the powder in the jar should remain unchanged in consistency and color.
If creatine is spoiled (in the annotation it is described in detail what is meant by this concept) or the shelf life expired more than 6 months ago, it is not recommended to take such an additive. The use of such a product can cause indigestion or even food poisoning.