Does creatine have an expiration date and how should it be stored correctly? Is it possible to drink expired creatine?

Forms of Creatine

Bodybuilders and powerlifters use a lot of energy during training. To replenish reserves, they take sports nutrition with creatine. There are several forms of creatine. They all differ slightly in properties; each athlete determines which one is better for himself. The most popular forms:

Kre-Alkalyn is a formula patented by the Geff Golini company (2002). Increases strength, muscle endurance, improves training performance.
Creatine anhydrous (anhydrous). The concentration of the substance per serving is approximately 6% higher than other forms, but this does not affect the effectiveness.
Tartrate. The form is used for the manufacture of sports nutrition in the form of tablets, capsules, and chewing strips.
Citrate. Due to the addition of a citric acid molecule, creatine of this form is more easily soluble in water. Citrate is used to prepare effervescent tablets.
Hydrochloride. The form has higher bioavailability.
Monohydrate. The “classical” form, according to experts, is by far the best, or at least clinically studied.

The last two forms are the most common. Therefore, it would be useful to know what the shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride is. This will avoid trouble.

How does creatine work?

Creatine supplements work by increasing muscle stores of phosphocreatine, the storage form of creatine.

When your main source of energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is depleted, your body uses phosphocreatine stores to make more ATP. It helps athletes train longer, boosts anabolic hormones, and aids cell signaling, among other beneficial effects.

There are many types of creatine available, such as:

creatine monohydrate
creatine ethyl ester
creatine hydrochloride (HCL)
creatine gluconate
buffer creatine
liquid creatine

However, the most common and well-studied form is creatine monohydrate.

Summary:
Creatine helps improve physical performance, promotes muscle growth, and has a number of other beneficial properties. It works by increasing your body's phosphocreatine stores, which help make ATP your body's primary source of energy.

Does the supplement have an expiration date?

Like any biochemical compound taken orally, creatine and commercial supplements based on it (creatine ethyl acetate, creatine monohydrate, alpha-lipoic acid and others) have a certain shelf life , during which the beneficial qualities of the product are preserved and safety of use is guaranteed.

After the expiration dates specified by the manufacturer, the use of such sports nutrition may lead to unwanted side effects .

What exactly does this period of time guarantee?

Reference. In accordance with clause 4 of Article 5 of the Federal Law of the Russian Federation “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, the expiration date means the period of time after which a particular product becomes unsuitable for further use.

Thus, within the expiration date, the manufacturer guarantees customers the safety of all performance indicators and consumer properties of the purchased product. In this case, an important condition that the consumer must comply with is the correct storage of the purchased product.

Is the manufacturer obligated to install it?

In paragraph 4 of Art. 5 of the above-mentioned Law of the Russian Federation states that for certain types of goods the manufacturer is obliged to set expiration dates. These include:

Food;
medicines;
perfumes and cosmetics, etc.

Thus, a complete list of such products is reflected in the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated June 16, 1997 No. 720. This also includes dietary supplements (biologically active additives), which include creatine.

Thus, the manufacturer is obliged to set an expiration date for creatine. The sale of this food additive without compliance with this requirement is prohibited by law (clause 5 of article 5).

In general, it can be noted that in the current legislative system of the Russian Federation there is no separate GOST regulating the process of creatine production. This issue is regulated within the framework of the general GOST 56202-2014 “Specialized food products...”, which applies to all biological active additives.

From what time does the countdown start?

In accordance with the provisions set out in Article 473 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the shelf life of the product begins to be calculated from the date of its manufacture, that is, from the moment when the production process was completely completed and packaging was carried out.

Is there an expiration date?

Like any medicine or dietary supplement, creatine products have a certain shelf life.

During this period, creatine can bring many benefits to the body without leading to negative consequences.

Since creatine is a food product , its sale is regulated by SanPiN 2.3.2.1324-03.

Creatine is mainly available in powder and capsule form for oral administration.

Although there are also liquid preparations, chewable tablets and injection solutions, capsules and powder are used much more often .

They cost an order of magnitude cheaper , are easier to use and are produced by various trusted companies.

What is the difference between creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride?

Many manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the properties of creatine by introducing various improvements. There have been many attempts, but monohydrate remains the constant leader. Not long ago, a new form of creatine was released for sale - hydrochloride. 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.

The shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride is the same, as are their properties. The only difference is that the hydrochloride starts working a little faster. But this property was enough to take second place among sports nutrition products based on nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid.

Shelf life of monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is the most popular and widespread type of creatine on the sports nutrition market, offered by many manufacturers.

It is available in powder, which must be diluted with water, or in capsules, ready for use.

Regardless of the form of release, the composition of the drug is identical and is 100% creatine , sometimes with the addition of food flavorings.

As a rule, the majority of the Russian market is occupied by Western companies, primarily American, German and British.

Among the products presented on the market, the following stand out:

Cell-Tech from one of the leaders in sports nutrition MuscleTech (Muskultech). The powder is packaged in jars weighing 1400 grams and 2700 grams, capsules come in weights of 300 grams, 1 kg and other weights. The shelf life is 3 years from the date of production.
Creatine powder from Universal Nutrition , shelf life - 3 years.
Pure Creatine from the German manufacturer Power System, is available in powder, shelf life - 3 years.
Creatine monohydrate from Now Foods , shelf life - 3 years.
Capsule creatine Kre-Alkalyn EFX from the manufacturer All American EFX, shelf life is 5-6 years depending on the specific product name.
Creatine monohydrate powder from the manufacturer Weider , shelf life is 2 years.

In general, there are many manufacturers on the market offering this product.

Since the composition of the products is almost identical, consumers should focus on the price of the additives, weight characteristics and manufacturer.

The approximate shelf life of creatine supplements from the vast majority of manufacturers is 3 years from the date of production .

Shelf life of monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is the most popular and widespread type of creatine on the sports nutrition market, offered by many manufacturers.

It is available in powder, which must be diluted with water, or in capsules, ready for use.

Regardless of the form of release, the composition of the drug is identical and is 100% creatine , sometimes with the addition of food flavorings.

As a rule, the majority of the Russian market is occupied by Western companies, primarily American, German and British.

Among the products presented on the market, the following stand out:

Cell-Tech from one of the leaders in sports nutrition MuscleTech (Muskultech). The powder is packaged in jars weighing 1400 grams and 2700 grams, capsules come in weights of 300 grams, 1 kg and other weights. The shelf life is 3 years from the date of production.
Creatine powder from Universal Nutrition , shelf life - 3 years.
Pure Creatine from the German manufacturer Power System, is available in powder, shelf life - 3 years.
Creatine monohydrate from Now Foods , shelf life - 3 years.
Capsule creatine Kre-Alkalyn EFX from the manufacturer All American EFX, shelf life is 5-6 years depending on the specific product name.
Creatine monohydrate powder from the manufacturer Weider , shelf life is 2 years.

In general, there are many manufacturers on the market offering this product.

Since the composition of the products is almost identical, consumers should focus on the price of the additives, weight characteristics and manufacturer.

The approximate shelf life of creatine supplements from the vast majority of manufacturers is 3 years from the date of production .

Where and how to store it correctly?

No special conditions are required to store creatine in closed capsules. This sports supplement can be kept at room temperature +25°C . When storing creatine powder, air humidity is of great importance.

Due to moisture, the powder mixture can deteriorate very quickly after opening, so this creatine must be stored in a dry and dark place with the lid closed.

If a small amount of moisture gets into the powder, you can try to dry the mixture, but if the exposure to the liquid was prolonged and the powder changed its consistency , then the sports supplement becomes unsuitable for use.

Where to put it until it is opened?

After purchasing creatine, the consumer should follow the following basic rules for storing it:

it should be placed in a dark place where direct rays of the sun will not penetrate (a closet is ideal);
the air in the room where creatine is stored should be dry (the main enemy of this dietary supplement is high humidity);
compliance with the temperature regime (not higher than 20-25 degrees).

How long does diluted creatine last?

Before use, creatine powder is diluted in water or juice. Usually the mixture is prepared immediately before use, since carboxylic acid, entering a liquid medium, enters into a chemical reaction and begins to change properties.

The reaction proceeds slowly, 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 before use.

Rules for storing creatine powder

Creatine-based sports nutrition does not require any special conditions. If there are small children in the house, the packaging should be placed out of their reach. There is no need to observe the temperature regime; creatine is stored at normal room temperature.

The only thing that matters is humidity. The 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 shaken periodically before use to prevent crystallization of the powder.

If the powder begins to coke, it should be kneaded with your fingers. Once opened, the shelf life of creatine monohydrate does not decrease. It depends on the date of manufacture. In general, storage conditions are specified in detail on each package. Compliance with them guarantees long-term preservation of the product.

How to properly store medications?

Inside the original packaging there are instructions that detail what time you need to take the medicine, how many times a day, and at what temperature to store the medicine so that it does not start working against you. For example, products such as syrup, ointment, creams or drops cannot be stored at room temperature, as many are accustomed to; they should only be stored in the refrigerator, since when stored in a warm room, the structure of the drugs may change.

what to do with expired pills

After opening the medicinal product, it must be tightly and hermetically sealed to avoid contact with air and oxidation of the product. Under no circumstances should medications be stored in places with high humidity or in the bathroom, since the active ingredient of the medicinal product loses its healing properties. For the same reason, you should not keep medications in the kitchen or in the rooms, next to the humidifier.

In order to avoid unpleasant situations or undesirable consequences, drugs that contain hormones, psychotropic drugs, hypnotics or any other substances that must be taken strictly under supervision should be stored out of the reach of children and strangers.

Drugs that are intended to be used intravenously must be stored in special containers; after opening, there is no point in storing ampoules, since upon contact with oxygen, the active substance turns toxic and can harm the body; it is strictly forbidden to reuse such an ampoule

Real shelf life of creatine

Manufacturers of creative supplements usually prescribe an approximate, rather than an actual, expiration date. And if we talk about how long the complex remains effective, then you can add several months to the manufacturing date indicated on the packaging, during which the product can be safely consumed without any fear.

Of course, the effectiveness of creatine will be reduced, but no problems should arise. This applies to absolutely any sports supplements and food products in principle. Many experts claim that creatine, if stored properly, can be drunk for three years after release. This is twice as long as the 1-1.5 years stated to manufacturers. For 36 months, a creatine supplement remains safe, but the older it is, the less effective and concentrated it is.

Can expired creatine harm you?

Overall, creatine has been well studied and is considered safe to consume (9).

Given that creatine monohydrate is very stable, it can be stored for several years past the expiration date and should not cause any unpleasant side effects.

It is also important to note that creatine being clumpy does not mean it has expired. Although it has likely been exposed to moisture, it is usually safe to consume. It should still work well and is unlikely to cause harm.

However, if your jar of creatine has been left open for several days at room temperature or exposed to enough moisture, it may become ineffective (8).

Additionally, although lumpy creatine is fine to consume, if you notice that your creatine has changed color, has a strong odor, or has an unusual taste, it is best to stop taking it.

Changes like these may indicate the presence of bacteria, but it is very unlikely that they will develop unless the additive has been left open for many days at room temperature.

Considering that creatine is relatively inexpensive, if you have any concerns about taking expired creatine, you may want to purchase a new jar for peace of mind.

Summary:
Creatine that has expired is unlikely to harm you. Since it is relatively inexpensive, if you have any doubts, you can buy a new package for peace of mind.

Expired product

During use, the powder will inevitably come into contact with air. Long-term storage of creatine will lead to a change in its structure and a decrease in the activity of the active substance.

The longer creatine powder is stored after opening, the more useless it becomes.

The expired additive is not toxic and does not pose any particular health hazard. But there will be no benefit from it.

In cases where a dietary supplement has expired too long ago, its use should be avoided. There is a high probability of developing dangerous bacterial microflora in an organic product, which has a high degree of pathogenicity. Various intestinal pathogens are only a small part of what may be in a long-expired composition.

All dietary supplements should be purchased from reputable suppliers. And store - in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturers, for the specified time.

When opening a container of powder that has been stored for too long, you need to carefully inspect it. First of all, pay attention to the smell, color and structure of the product , which should not deviate from the norm. A humid environment promotes the development of mold. Therefore, you should not use supplements that have been stored for a long time in damp places. This is dangerous, first of all, if the expiration date of creatine has long expired or its appearance has changed.

How to determine if a supplement in powder or capsules is spoiled

A sports nutrition product may be spoiled if storage conditions are violated or if the expiration date has expired.

Conditions under which a creatine supplement can be considered spoiled:

the product changed its color and became more transparent;
the initial consistency of the powder has changed - there are lumps, etc.;
mold and unpleasant odor appeared;
The gelatin capsules became sticky and a characteristic rotting smell appeared.

If you notice any of the listed signs, it is better not to consume the product, but simply discard it.

To prolong the freshness of the product, always scoop the product into a clean, dry spoon or measuring cup. Do not allow moisture to get inside the packaging of capsules or powder.

How to determine if a supplement in powder or capsules is spoiled

A sports nutrition product may be spoiled if storage conditions are violated or if the expiration date has expired.

Conditions under which a creatine supplement can be considered spoiled:

the product changed its color and became more transparent;
the initial consistency of the powder has changed - there are lumps, etc.;
mold and unpleasant odor appeared;
The gelatin capsules became sticky and a characteristic rotting smell appeared.

If you notice any of the listed signs, it is better not to consume the product, but simply discard it.

To prolong the freshness of the product, always scoop the product into a clean, dry spoon or measuring cup. Do not allow moisture to get inside the packaging of capsules or powder.

Is it possible to use expired creatine monohydrate?

Based on numerous reviews from bodybuilders and strength athletes, athletes have no concerns about taking expired creatine. In addition, judging by the comments left, this supplement does not cause side effects. The effectiveness, of course, in some cases may be significantly reduced, but no negative effects on the body are noted.

Drinking creatine if the expiration date has expired is acceptable and safe. The main thing is to understand that we are talking exclusively about a product produced by well-known manufacturers, including Power System, Dymatize, Multipower, ON (Optimum Nutrition) and others. Such additives are manufactured mainly in Europe or the United States of America. If you come across an expired creative additive from an unknown manufacturing company, you should discard such a complex. It may be unsafe and of poor quality even when it is not expired.

Can expired creatine harm you?

Overall, creatine has been well studied and is considered safe for consumption ().

Given that creatine monohydrate is very stable, it can be stored for several years past the expiration date and should not cause any unpleasant side effects.

However, if your jar of creatine has been left open for several days at room temperature or exposed to enough moisture, it may become ineffective ().

Additionally, although lumpy creatine is fine to consume, if you notice that your creatine has changed color, has a strong odor, or has an unusual taste, it is best to stop taking it.

Changes like these may indicate the presence of bacteria, but it is very unlikely that they will develop unless the additive has been left open for many days at room temperature.

Considering that creatine is relatively inexpensive, if you have any concerns about taking expired creatine, you may want to purchase a new jar for peace of mind.

Summary:
Creatine that has expired is unlikely to harm you. Since it is relatively inexpensive, if you have any doubts, you can buy a new package for peace of mind.

Best before date

24 months

Vitamins with similar effects

Marine calcium biobalance calcium-iron-manganese-copper (Oral tablets)
ImmuniVit (Capsule)
IMMUNOVIT Life formula (Aerosol)
Immunosil-Horst vegetable collection (Powder)
IMMUNOSTART Life formula (Lozenges)
Hyssop officinalis (Briquet)
Melissa Premium Fitera (Herbal tea)
Marine calcium for children with vitamins (Oral tablets)
Marine calcium for children with iron (Oral tablets)

Description of vitamin Creatine Monohydrate is intended for informational purposes only. Before starting to use any drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor and read the instructions for use. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not self-medicate; EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal. Any information on the project does not replace consultation with a specialist and cannot be a guarantee of the positive effect of the drug you use. The opinions of EUROLAB portal users may not coincide with the opinions of the site Administration.

Are you interested in Vitamin Creatine Monohydrate? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need a doctor's examination? Or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with a doctor - the Euro lab is always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, advise you, provide the necessary assistance and make a diagnosis. You can also call a doctor at home . Euro lab clinic is open for you around the clock.

Attention! The information presented in the vitamins and dietary supplements section is intended for informational purposes and should not be a basis for self-medication. Some of the drugs have a number of contraindications. Patients need to consult a specialist!

If you are interested in any other vitamins, vitamin-mineral complexes or dietary supplements, their descriptions and instructions for use, their analogues, information about the composition and form of release, indications for use and side effects, methods of use, dosages and contraindications, notes about the prescription of the drug for children, newborns and pregnant women, price and consumer reviews, or you have any other questions and suggestions - write to us, we will definitely try to help you.

Marking

Important! To begin with, it is worth noting that clause 4.7 of clause 4 of GOST 56202-2014 states that dietary supplements, including creatine, must be packaged and labeled in accordance with the rules prescribed in the Technical Regulations CU 022/2011 and 005/2011.

Thus, the following terms should be indicated on the packaging of creatine (clause 4.1, article 4 of TR CU 022/2011):

Date of manufacture - here is the date, month and year in which the dietary supplement was produced. In this case, a designation consisting of the following words is used: “Date of manufacture.” After this phrase, a specific period may be immediately indicated or a reference may be made to the place of packaging where such information can be viewed.
Best before date – here the manufacturer offers the following options to choose from:
use of the wording “best before” indicating the full date (day, month, year).

Information about the expiration date and manufacture of creatine must be indicated on the following types of packaging:

transport;
consumer, including the label affixed to it (if any).

In addition, the manufacturer must also indicate the basic rules for storing creatine. This is written in clause 6, clause 4.1, article 4 of TR CU 022/2011.

How can I find out the dates if the dietary supplement was purchased abroad?

Reference. In most cases, the creatine purchased by many athletes is of foreign origin, that is, imported from abroad. In this regard, it is not always clear where exactly the expiration date of a given dietary supplement is written and what it looks like.

So, you can find this information on the back or side of the can. Typically, it is denoted as follows:

“EXP **/**” – this wording indicates the month and year before which creatine can be consumed.
“MFD **/**” – the month and year of manufacture are written here.

In addition, if there is no information on the can indicating the expiration date of creatine (in many countries the state does not oblige manufacturers to write this information on the packaging), then you should find the batch code (encrypted in the barcode) and determine the production date by him.

Does the supplement have a shelf life?

Undoubtedly, like any other chemical compound intended for consumption, creatine also has a certain shelf life during which it remains suitable for use for its main purpose.

What exactly does this period of time guarantee?

Is the manufacturer obligated to install it?

In paragraph 4 of Art. 5 of the above-mentioned Law of the Russian Federation states that for certain types of goods the manufacturer is obliged to set expiration dates. These include:

Food;
medicines;
perfumes and cosmetics, etc.

Thus, the manufacturer is obliged to set an expiration date for creatine. The sale of this food additive without compliance with this requirement is prohibited by law (clause 5 of article 5).

From what time does the countdown start?

Shelf life of creatine from some manufacturers

Whatever form the drug is sold in, it must meet certain quality standards and be 100% creatine, without any impurities. In some cases, the use of food flavorings is allowed, but they do not affect the quality of the product.

The main producers of creatine are:

Cell – Tech from the world famous company Muscle Tech, which has many years of experience in the production of bioactive supplements for athletes. The drug is valid for 3 years from the date of production;
Universal Nutrition powder – 3 years;
Pure Creatine in powder form from the German company Power System – 3 years;
Now Foods creatine monohydrate – 3 years;
Kre – Alkalyn EFX in capsules from the manufacturer All America EFX – 5 – 6 years, which depends on the type of product;
Weider creatine monohydrate powder – 2 years.

Considering that products from different companies have a similar composition and identical effect on the body, when choosing supplements you should pay attention to their cost, manufacturer’s reputation, packaging weight, and taste.

It is not dangerous to consume expired creatine powder diluted with liquid after slightly exceeding the shelf life. Another question is how effective the composition is and whether there will be positive results from its use. The cost of this dietary supplement is not too high, so saving on it is, at a minimum, pointless.

Main conclusions

Creatine supplements are characterized by a natural composition, so athletes are concerned about the freshness of the product. In practice, the product in powder or capsules can be used for up to 3 years if proper storage conditions are observed. Basic rules when using any form of supplementation:

prevent light and moisture from coming into contact with the product;
tightly close the original packaging after each use (do not store the product in another container);
do not expose the additive to even short-term exposure to high temperatures;
Powder versions are stored in fewer capsules, so you should regularly check the external characteristics of the product.

After dilution with water, creatine should be drunk as quickly as possible, since the product may deteriorate. In this form, it will not be stored even for a short time, so you need to mix the cocktail with the powder immediately before use.

Sources

https://FB.ru/article/461308/kak-hranit-kreatin-srok-godnosti-posle-vskryitiya
https://foodismedicine.ru/kreatin-srok-godnosti/
https://PravaPot.ru/tovar/srok-godnosti/kreatina.html
https://pravovoy-standart.ru/zzp/torgovlya-i-tovary/sroki-godnosti-i-hraneniya/pishhevoj-produktsii/kreatina.html
https://builderbody.ru/mozhno-li-pit-prosrochennyj-kreatin/
https://kakxranit.ru/medicina/srok-godnosti-kreatina.html
https://gercules.fit/dobavki-i-vitaminy/srok-godnosti-kreatina.html