Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate claims to support your performance needs, including muscle strength, endurance, and post-exercise recovery.
It may also support cellular energy metabolism, which could help improve your energy levels and minimize fatigue. Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may also support muscle development and help make your muscles appear fuller. However, can Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate also support physical endurance?
In this review, we explore different aspects of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, including its working mechanism, composition, benefits, potential side effects, usage instructions, and refund policy.
What Is Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate?
As per the official site, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may raise phosphocreatine stores in muscle cells and improve their water retention capacity.
Such effects may support notable improvements in power output, muscle definition, and endurance. The product may also provide consistent recovery support during both pre- and post-workout phases.
According to the official site, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate comes in a 17.9 oz (500g) container, which provides a total of 100 servings. One scoop (5g serving) features five grams of creatine monohydrate powder (micronized), which may support better mixability and absorption.
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Ingredients
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate may support the activation and proliferation of satellite cells, which are specialized stem cells that influence muscle repair and growth. Such effects might help support muscle hypertrophy and recovery after damage induced by intense physical activity.
Research suggests that creatine monohydrate causes your muscle cells to retain more water, which may increase cell volume. The cell volumization may function as a signal that could stimulate protein synthesis and minimize protein breakdown. Such effects may help develop an anabolic environment conducive to muscle growth and maintenance.
Creatine monohydrate may support your body’s cellular energy systems by stimulating the production of ATP molecules. Improved ATP availability could improve the ability of your muscle cells to work with limited oxygen (anaerobic capacity), which might help enhance endurance and minimize fatigue during exercise sessions.
How to Use Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate?
As per the official site, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate involves two phases of use, namely a loading phase and a maintenance phase. During the loading phase (typically from days 1 to 5), the makers suggest mixing one scoop (5 grams) of powder with 6–10 oz of water and consuming four times daily.
Starting from day 6 onwards, the makers mention following the maintenance phase by taking one scoop (5 grams) of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate mixed with 6–10 oz of water once a day.
How Does Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Work?
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may function by raising your body’s natural phosphocreatine stores, a compound that helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a primary energy molecule that your body utilizes during periods of high-intensity, short-duration activities, such as weightlifting, sprinting, or explosive sports movements. Increased ATP availability may help delay muscle fatigue, improve power output, and support workout performance.
Beyond physical performance support, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may support ATP regeneration in the neurons (brain cells). The increased energy availability from creatine may support different cognitive health aspects, such as memory retention, concentration, and mental acuity.
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate also has antioxidant effects, as creatine monohydrate could decrease free radicals generated during exercise. Such effects may help protect cellular structures and enzymes in your muscle cells, potentially decreasing muscle soreness and improving recovery quality.
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Benefits
May Support Muscular Strength
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, when used alongside a structured resistance training program and nutritious diet, may help improve your muscular strength. Once ingested, creatine monohydrate in the formula gets converted into phosphocreatine within your muscle cells, which may increase water retention in your muscle cells. With such effects, you may find it easier to complete more repetitions or lift heavier weights without premature fatigue. Improved muscular strength may also contribute to increased workout efficiency, better muscle endurance, and better physical stability.
Could Promote Muscle Recovery
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate could help minimize the accumulation of metabolic byproducts like hydrogen ions and lactate, which may otherwise contribute to muscle fatigue and post-exercise soreness. These benefits may assist in easing post-exercise strain and help reduce the time it takes for your muscles to recover between workouts. Faster muscle recovery may also support better training consistency and minimize the likelihood of experiencing overuse-related fatigue.
Might Increase Energy Levels
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may support cellular energy production by improving the ability of your bodily cells to utilize adenosine triphosphate, especially during periods of physical exertion. The replenishment of ATP may improve your energy levels, which could help decrease physical fatigue, boost endurance, and minimize fatigue. Increased energy levels could also help your muscles sustain effort for longer periods while supporting quicker recovery between exercise sessions.
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Side Effects
May Trigger Water Retention
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may cause increased water retention in your body, especially during initial use. The formulation may increase creatine and sodium concentrations inside your muscle cells, which may create an osmotic effect and increase fluid retention in the muscles. As a result, you may experience an increase in your body weight (associated with extra water stored in your muscles) or feel bloated and heavier than usual. There is also a potential chance that you may notice swelling in your hands, feet, or face.
Might Cause Gastrointestinal Discomfort
You might experience digestive discomfort with Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate. Common symptoms may include bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, or even diarrhea. These gastrointestinal discomforts are more likely when taking higher doses, especially during the loading phase, where you may take 20 grams or more of creatine monohydrate.
Creatine that isn’t fully utilized by your body may pull excess water into your intestines through a process called osmosis. The sudden shift in water balance may upset your stomach. The risk of digestive discomfort may be more pronounced if you take Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate on an empty stomach or when dehydrated.
Could Lead to Muscle Cramping
Although not common, you might experience muscle cramps when using Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate. Creatine may cause an excessive accumulation of water in your muscle cells, which may disrupt the electrolyte balance, especially if you’re not drinking enough fluids or you’re losing minerals through sweat. As a result, your muscles might contract too tightly or suddenly, potentially contributing to cramps. Muscle cramps may feel sharp, tight, or painful. They could often strike during or after workouts, especially if you’re dehydrated or low on essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, or magnesium.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Might aid in muscle enhancement and boost strength.
- Comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee on purchases.
- May support muscle endurance, energy levels, and post-exercise recovery.
- Comes in different flavor variants, including fruit punch, watermelon, grape, and red alert.
Cons
- Some consumers have experienced gritty bits or incomplete dissolution with the powder.
- The formulation may trigger side effects, such as bloating, sudden weight gain, or muscle cramps.
- Potential for fishy odor or spoilage if exposed to heat/humidity.
Where to Buy Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate?
You can buy Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate directly from the brand’s official website. Buying from the official site might help ensure that you receive an authentic Nutricost product, which meets the brand’s strict standards for purity, potency, and safety. Purchasing from the official Nutricost website may also provide access to exclusive offers, bundle deals, and prompt customer support, which you may not receive from third-party suppliers.
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Refund Policy
As per the official site, Nutricost offers a 60‑day money‑back guarantee on all purchases. If unsatisfied, you may request a refund or exchange even the opened items, provided any extra bottles or tubs are unopened and in new condition.
If you choose Nutricost’s $2.98 “free returns + exchange protection” program at checkout, you may return your order at no extra cost using a prepaid label. Otherwise, you’ll have to cover the return shipping costs yourself. To initiate the return, you can use their online returns center. If you have any questions or need help, you may call Nutricost at (866) 438-3694 or email them at [email protected].
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Alternatives
Momentous Creatine
When comparing Momentous Creatine and Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, the products differ in aspects like the type of creatine variant used, flavor variety, pricing, and certifications.
Momentous Creatine comes in a 15.8oz (450g) jar, which contains Creapure® creatine monohydrate, offering 90 servings per jar. Creapure® is known as a patented form of creatine monohydrate sourced from Germany and known for its premium purity standards.
On the other hand, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate comes in a 17.9 oz (500g) container that provides 100 servings. However, it uses micronized creatine monohydrate, with no patented forms.
In terms of certifications, Momentous Creatine highlights its NSF Certified for Sport® certification, which may indicate that every batch undergoes third-party testing and is free from banned substances.
Meanwhile, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate does not hold any certifications like NSF, although the brand claims that Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate undergoes third-party testing and is made in GMP-compliant labs in the USA.
Momentous Creatine comes in unflavored and lemon flavor. On the other hand, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate comes in seven flavor variants beyond the unflavored version, including options like Fruit Punch, Red Alert, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Pineapple Mango, Watermelon, and Mandarin Orange.
The pricing structure also reflects differences in positioning between the two products. For example, one jar (with 90 servings) of Momentous Creatine costs $39.95 as part of a one-time purchase. Meanwhile, one 500-g jar (with 100 servings) of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate costs $25.97.
Native Creatine
When comparing Native Creatine and Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, the products differ in aspects like their composition, pricing structures, refund policies, and certifications.
In terms of formulation, Native Creatine comes in a 9-oz (255g) jar that contains a total of 30 servings. Each scoop (8.5g) of Native Creatine features 5g of creatine monohydrate, 2.5g of L‑leucine, and 1.5g of L‑carnitine. Such a combination may support strength and energy needs, while also promoting muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial function.
On the other hand, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate is available in a 17.9-oz (500g) jar that provides 100 servings, with one scoop (5g) containing 5 grams of micronized creatine monohydrate. The micronized creatine form may support faster absorption and improved mixability in liquids.
Native Creatine and Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate also differ in terms of pricing. For example, one jar (30 servings) of Native Creatine costs $53 as part of a one-time purchase. On the other hand, a 500-g jar (100 servings) of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate is available for $25.97.
NativePath Creatine comes with a 365-day “Feel Good” guarantee from the date of delivery, accepting returns on all sealed/unopened and even some opened products, subject to inspection and approval by the NativePath brand.
Meanwhile, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate is backed by a 60-day refund window on purchases, though shipping costs are not refundable unless optional store credit protection is purchased from Nutricost.
How Did We Evaluate Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate?
Brand Reputation
In evaluating Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, we analyzed Nutricost’s brand credibility based on ratings across reputable third-party review forums. We assessed the ratings and feedback received by Nutricost on review platforms like Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Reviews.io, and TenereTeam.
On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Nutricost is accredited and holds a “B” rating, impacted by some customer complaints revolving around shipping issues and customer service responsiveness. However, Nutricost has an unclaimed profile on Trustpilot and no listing on Reviews.io, which may limit the breadth of the brand’s transparency and credibility.
Meanwhile, Nutricost holds a 4.3 out of 5 rating on TenereTeam, although the rating is based on just five publicly accessible reviews on the platform, too small a sample size to draw any definitive conclusions.
Real User Reviews
To assess how Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate performs in everyday use, we examined multiple verified customer reviews of the product on Amazon. Most users noted improvements in workout recovery and physical performance, particularly when they used Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate as part of a broader training regimen.
Some customers appreciated the micronized profile of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, which they stated mixed promptly in water without significant clumping. Many reviews also praised the powder’s unflavored characteristic for flexible use, and the product’s serving count was frequently mentioned in the context of its cost-efficiency.
However, a few consumers noted the absence of measurement markings on the included scoop as a potential source of dosing inconsistency. Some consumers expressed mixability issues with Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate, highlighting occasional residue or a slightly chalky feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate does not come with third-party sports-specific certifications (such as NSF Certified or Informed Choice), which could potentially make it less compatible for athletes who are subject to anti-doping regulations.
Yes, it is typically safe to pair Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate with whey protein, BCAAs, or pre-workout supplements, as it does not contain additives or reactive compounds. However, stacking should be based on your training goals, dietary needs, and tolerance levels.
Yes, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate is typically compatible with intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets, as it contains zero calories or carbohydrates. It does not trigger an insulin response or affect ketone production, meaning it won’t break a fast or disrupt ketosis.
Conclusion
Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may support muscle gains, strength output, and recovery through its micronized creatine monohydrate. Its micronized format could improve solubility in liquids, potentially aiding in easier mixing than non-micronized variants.
However, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may cause water retention during the early stages of supplementation, which may contribute to temporary weight gain or bloating. During the loading phase, you may also experience signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, stomach cramps, or even diarrhea.
Personal experiences with Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate might vary depending on specific factors like age, physical activity levels, hydration status, dietary patterns, and frequency of use.
It is important to note that integrating some lifestyle changes may complement the benefits of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate.
For instance, drinking at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily might help counteract the fluid shifts that may occur with creatine use and reduce the likelihood of cramping.
Consuming electrolyte-rich foods, such as bananas for potassium, leafy greens for magnesium, and lightly salted meals for sodium, may further support muscle function and hydration balance.
The effectiveness and tolerability of Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate may depend on how well it aligns with your physiological needs and supplementation habits.
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.