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PERFORMANCE & RECOVERY

Creatine Monohydrate

Strength · cognition · recovery

VERY STRONG EVIDENCEVEGANCORE INGREDIENTREAD THE RESEARCH
Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 3 Jun 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026
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Creatine Monohydrate: Strength · cognition · recovery. The most-studied supplement on earth. Improves strength output, recovery, and short-term cognition. Yes, even for women. Standard dose 5 g micronised, taken in the morning, about $10/month. Evidence rating: very strong evidence.

What is Creatine Monohydrate?

Creatine monohydrate is the most-studied performance supplement in the world, with over 500 published studies establishing its safety and efficacy. It works by saturating muscle phosphocreatine stores, enabling faster ATP regeneration during high-intensity efforts. Benefits include modest strength and power gains, improved high-intensity training capacity, faster recovery between sets, and emerging evidence for cognitive support, particularly under sleep deprivation and in vegetarians. The 'monohydrate' form is the gold standard; fancier creatine salts cost more without measurable advantage. The standard daily dose is 5 g, taken at any time of day with water. A loading phase is optional. Effects build over 2-4 weeks of consistent use.

WHY IT MATTERS

The most-studied supplement on earth. Improves strength output, recovery, and short-term cognition. Yes, even for women.

Natural food sources

Where possible, get Creatine Monohydrate from whole foods first. Common dietary sources include:

Red meat (beef)HerringSalmonPork

Where to buy

Optimum Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate Powder
RECOMMENDED
Optimum Nutrition, Creatine Monohydrate
5 g micronised · Morning · ~$10/month

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All product options

Optimum Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate PowderBESTSELLER
Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Optimum Nutrition
600 g · $24 · ★ 4.8
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NOW Foods Creatine Monohydrate Pure PowderBEST VALUE
Creatine Monohydrate Pure Powder
NOW Foods
1 kg · $26 · ★ 4.8
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Micro Ingredients Creatine Monohydrate PowderEDITOR'S PICK
Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Micro Ingredients
500 g · $17 · ★ 4.8
Buy on iHerb →Buy on Amazon →

Stacks that include Creatine Monohydrate

The Foundation Stack
The three supplements almost everyone benefits from.
The Recovery Stack
Train harder. Recover faster.
The Vegan Essentials
Plant-based, perfectly covered.
The Athletic Performance Stack
Train harder. Recover smarter. Adapt faster.

Best for your goal

Interactions

Other performance & recovery

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Ketones · sustained energy · brain fuel

Common questions

What is Creatine Monohydrate?
Creatine monohydrate is the most-studied performance supplement in the world, with over 500 published studies establishing its safety and efficacy. It works by saturating muscle phosphocreatine stores, enabling faster ATP regeneration during high-intensity efforts. Benefits include modest strength and power gains, improved high-intensity training capacity, faster recovery between sets, and emerging evidence for cognitive support, particularly under sleep deprivation and in vegetarians. The 'monohydrate' form is the gold standard; fancier creatine salts cost more without measurable advantage. The standard daily dose is 5 g, taken at any time of day with water. A loading phase is optional. Effects build over 2-4 weeks of consistent use.
What is Creatine Monohydrate used for?
Strength · cognition · recovery. The most-studied supplement on earth. Improves strength output, recovery, and short-term cognition. Yes, even for women.
What is the standard dose of Creatine Monohydrate?
5 g micronised, typically taken in the morning. Approximate cost is $10 per month.
How strong is the evidence for Creatine Monohydrate?
Very strong evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

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