Creatine - To Load Or Not To Load? When Creatine Monohydrate first came out, it was recommended lifters followed a loading protocol. This was followed by taking a single daily maintenance dose. As new forms of creatine hit the market, the idea of using a loading phase came into question. That’s because many of the new forms of creatine were absorbed much better than the original monohydrate. Even monohydrate ultimately became micronized, improving absorption. Does that mean there’s no reason to load? In this article, we will discover the best way to take your 5% Nutrition Crea-TEN or Core Creatine Monohydrate. 

5% Nutrition Crea-TEN & Core Creatine Monohydrate - What’s The Difference?

The legendary Crea-TEN is a combination of 9 forms of creatine combined with an exclusive Creatine Accelerate Blend. Why 9 forms and not 10? Because of the current issues with supply shortages, that’s why. Despite that, it’s still dosed at 5g per serving and it’s still the most advanced creatine formula on the market. In contrast, Core Creatine Monohydrate is exactly that, and it’s also dosed at 5g per serving. 

To Load Or Not To Load

By following a loading protocol, you will saturate your muscles with creatine much faster than you would by taking it only once a day. When you load, your muscles will be saturated by the end of the loading phase, typically 4-5 days. If you take it once a day, it will take weeks to fully saturate your muscles. 

Here’s The Loading Protocol

Creatine Loading Phase

This is the proven method of using creatine. Consume 4-5 servings per day with water or juice for 4-5 days. The sugar in juice will improve absorption, but you may not want 4-5 extra servings of sugar. With that in mind, water works fine. Some users mix it with their protein shakes, and that works fine too. Time your servings every 3-4 hours apart. After your loading phase, continue with 1 serving per day. Drink plenty of water while using Crea-TEN or Core Creatine Monohydrate.

FAQs

Do I Need To Cycle Creatine? 

As far as cycling, you don’t have to, but many lifters do. The reasoning is that by taking a break, you’ll experience fresh results when you come back to it. However, if you decide not to cycle, continue with the loading phase for as long as you want to use it. 

Is Creatine A Steroid?

This question has been asked almost since the day creatine monohydrate first hit the market. The answer is no, it is not a steroid. Creatine occurs naturally in the body. Also, you can find it naturally in lean meats and fish. 

Are Both 5% Nutrition Creatine Products Flavored?

Crea-TEN comes in 6 delicious flavors, including Push Pop, Lemon Lime, and Mango Pineapple. Core Creatine Monohydrate is unflavored, which makes it easier to add to your 5% protein, pre-workout, and post-workout drinks. 

Do I Take Creatine Every Day - Even On My Off Days?

Yes, to fully saturate your muscles, it should be taken every day. 

Who Can Use Creatine?

Anyone 18 years or older can use creatine. 5% Nutrition gives you a choice, or you can use them both. How’s that work? Use Core Creatine Monohydrate to mix in with your protein and post-workout shakes. Then, take Core Creatine Monohydrate with your 5% pre and intra-workouts. Finally, when taking it during the day, you can go with Crea-TEN and enjoy all the stunning flavors we have to offer. 

Recap

In this article, we’ve seen that the answer to Creatine - To Load Or Not To Load is clear: load it for the quickest results! Ultimately, how you choose to use your 5% creatine is up to you. But if you’re looking for fast progress, try the loading protocol followed by your daily maintenance dose and see how well creatine can work for you!