# What's the latest "scoop" on creatine?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-latest-scoop-on-creatine/830154>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [February 25, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-latest-scoop-on-creatine/830154 "2019-02-25T03:07:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-latest-scoop-on-creatine/830154/1 "2019-02-25T03:07:12Z")

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I stopped using creatine a couple years ago, but now want to start a more aggressive workout routine, and therefore will resume taking creatine (FYI: I’m about to hit 40 and I want to be in good shape as I cross the line into old bastard).

Whether / how much creatine to take has changed over time though:

1. First there was creatine monohydrate, which was a PITA to take because you had to load up first and even after that, it doesn’t dissolve well so you have to swallow sand a couple times a day.

2. So then there was creatine ethyl ester, which dissolved better (?) and didn’t require loading. But then new data suggested it’s harder to digest.

3. So we’re back to monohydrate. But IIRC now they are saying loading is unnecessary as data suggested the body loads up fairly quickly on a regular dose?

So am I up to date? Are there other options I am unaware of?

Thanks

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**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-latest-scoop-on-creatine/830154/2 "2019-02-25T03:13:26Z")

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[Examine.com](https://examine.com/supplements/creatine/)

> [@](#):
>
> There are many different forms of creatine available on the market, but creatine monohydrate is the cheapest and most effective. Another option is micronized creatine monohydrate, which dissolves in water more easily and can be more practical.
> 
> Q: Do I need to load creatine?
> 
> A: You do not need to load creatine. it can be used as diagnosis to see if you ‘respond’ to creatine or to get slightly quicker benefits but in the long run loading is not a requirement of creatine supplementation. No harm in it either, except perhaps digestive discomfort

No need to cycle off, either.

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**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\
**Post date:** [February 25, 2019, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-latest-scoop-on-creatine/830154/3 "2019-02-25T05:51:28Z")

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A much more straightforward answer than expected.  
Thanks a lot.