Creatine is a nitrogen-containing organic compound of the carboxyl group. With the help of it, energy metabolism is carried out in nerve and muscle cells. Carboxylic acid is widely used by athletes to increase the efficiency of exercise and muscle mass. For convenience, bodybuilders purchase sports nutrition in relatively large quantities. At the same time, many do not even think about the shelf life of creatine. The shelf life depends on the shape of the product.
Forms of Creatine
Bodybuilders and powerlifters expend a lot of energy during training. To replenish their reserves, they take sports nutrition with creatine. There are several forms of creatine. All of them are slightly different in properties, which one is better for each athlete. Most popular shapes:
- Krealkalin (Kre-Alkalyn) - patentedcampaign Geff Golini formula (2002). Increases strength, muscle endurance, improves training performance.
- Creatine angedrous (anhydrous). The concentration of the substance in one serving is about 6% more than other forms, but this does not affect the effectiveness.
- Tartrate. The mold is used for the manufacture of sports nutrition in the form of tablets, capsules, chewable plates.
- Citrate. Due to the addition of a citric acid molecule, this form of creatine dissolves more easily in water. Citrate is used to make effervescent tablets.
- Hydrochloride. The form has a higher bioavailability.
- Monohydrate. The "classic" form, according to experts, is currently the best, or at least clinically researched.
The last two forms are the most common. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to know what is the shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride. This will keep you out of trouble.
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 were many attempts, but monohydrate remains the unchanging leader. Not so long ago, a new form of creatine, hydrochloride, was released for sale. In fact, the technology has long been known and borrowed from medicine. The essence of the technology is that when hydrochloride molecules are added to the main substance, its solubility in water and, as a result, bioavailability improves.
Expiry datecreatine monohydrate and hydrochloride are the same, as well as properties. The only difference is that the hydrochloride starts to work 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 even have an expiration date?
In order to be able to sell he alth and beauty products, you must obtain a certificate of conformity. According to the established rules, the period of its validity is not set. The certificate is valid for sale during the expiration date of the product that is subject to this very certification. Therefore, the manufacturer will not be able to sell the product without a specified shelf life.
Creatine, in fact, is an acid that changes its properties after a certain period. Sports nutrition is mainly produced in powdered or solid form and can be stored for a long time. The packaging indicates the storage time, which is counted from the date of manufacture.
After opening creatine, the expiration date is still counted from the production date. The duration of storage depends on the additional components in the composition of sports nutrition.
Creatine Monohydrate Expiration Date
This type of sports nutrition is the most in demand and is produced by most specialized companies. Available in capsules or powder, which is diluted with water before use.
Production of sports nutrition inRussia is poorly developed, so the market is confidently occupied by European and American companies. The most popular creatine supplements and their expiration date:
- One of the leaders in Muscultech sports nutrition. The additive in the form of a powder is packaged in jars of different sizes. You can store MyscleTech for a maximum of 3 years.
- Universal Nutrition Creatine Powder also has a 3 year shelf life.
- Another popular Pure Creatine supplement. Shelf life is 3 years.
- Kre-Alkalyn EFX Creatine Capsules have a shelf life of 5-6 years, depending on the product name.
- Weider Sports Nutrition Powder has a shelf life of 2 years.
The same formulas are used in the production of supplements, so the shelf life of sports nutrition based on creatine is on average 3 years.
How long does diluted creatine keep?
Before use, creatine powder is diluted in water or juice. Usually the mixture is prepared immediately before use, since the carboxylic acid, entering the liquid medium, enters into a chemical reaction and begins to change properties.
The reaction is slow, so the so-called shelf life of diluted creatine is no 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 prior to use.
Storage rules for creatine powder
Sports nutrition based on creatine does not require special conditions. If there are small children in the house, the packaging should be removed in a place inaccessible to them. Temperature control is not necessary, 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 periodically shaken before use to avoid crystallization of the powder.
If the powder began to coke, it should be kneaded 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 preservation of the product.
Is expired creatine dangerous?
There are times when sports nutrition does not have time to consume before the expiration date. Supplements are expensive and a pity to throw them away.
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 date. True, there is one thing: the powder in the jar should remain unchanged in consistency and color.
If the creatine is spoiled (the annotation details what is meant by this concept) or the expiration date has ended more than 6 months ago, taking this supplement is not recommended. Usesuch a product can cause indigestion or even food poisoning.
