What it is
Creatine monohydrate is the most extensively characterised and most widely traded creatine salt in the sports nutrition trade. Manufacture proceeds from sarcosine and cyanamide, after which the crude product is recrystallised to drive down the two impurities that matter commercially: creatinine, the cyclic degradation product, and dicyandiamide, a residue of the cyanamide feedstock. Both are controlled to parts-per-million levels in material intended for supplement use.
Formulation considerations
Solubility is moderate in cold water and improves markedly with temperature, which is why label directions commonly suggest warm or room-temperature liquid. In dry blends the main practical issues are particle size matching and flow. Coarse creatine in a fine-powder blend segregates during transport, so mesh should be chosen to sit close to the other components. Where a smooth mouthfeel is wanted, a 200 mesh micronised grade suspends longer before settling. The powder is chemically compatible with amino acids, carbohydrates, electrolytes and most flavour systems, but acidic effervescent bases accelerate conversion to creatinine once water is present.
Applications
The ingredient appears in single-ingredient creatine powders, pre-workout and post-workout blends, recovery and protein formulations, capsules, tablets, effervescent sticks and chewable formats. Both standard and micronised mesh are held in bulk quantities, with pricing on application.
Applications
- Pre-workout and post-workout powders
- Creatine monoproduct powders
- Capsules and tablets
- Effervescent and instant drink mixes
- Protein and recovery blends
- Gummies and chewables
Handling and storage
Store in sealed original packaging in a cool, dry area below 25°C with relative humidity under 60%. Typical shelf life is 36 months in the unopened container. The powder is stable as a dry solid but converts slowly to creatinine in aqueous solution, with the rate increasing at low pH and elevated temperature, so wet applications need formulation work and stability data.
Common questions
What is the difference between standard and micronised creatine monohydrate?
The chemistry is identical; only particle size differs. Micronised grades are milled to a finer mesh, which speeds wetting and reduces grittiness in shaken drinks, while standard mesh is often preferred for tabletting and capsule filling because it flows more consistently.
How much creatine monohydrate is typically used per serve?
Dry-blended sports powders commonly include 3 to 5 g per serve. The figure is a formulation decision for the brand owner and should be set against the relevant food or therapeutic goods requirements for the market of sale.
Is creatine monohydrate stable in a ready-to-drink beverage?
It degrades to creatinine in solution, and the rate rises as pH falls and temperature increases. Liquid formats are possible but require pH management, cold-chain or shelf-life testing rather than a straight transfer of a powder formulation.
What documentation is supplied with each lot?
Every lot is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, creatinine, dicyandiamide and heavy metals, together with the Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet.