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Creatine Proper use of supplements and others
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #10947
284 days ago
372

Creatine Proper use of supplements and others - #10947

SURYADARSHANSINGHSHAKTWAT

Hello Doctor, I am an athlete and a runner. I usually do two intense workouts per day (morning and evening). Currently, I have started using Creatine Monohydrate and Electrolyte supplements. Morning (post-workout): Creatine Monohydrate 3 g with glucose. Evening (post-workout): Electrolytes. After dinner (1–2 hours later): Creatine Monohydrate again, around 1–2 g with water. I want to confirm: 1. Is this supplementation schedule safe and effective for me as a runner doing two workouts daily? 2. Should creatine be taken once daily or is splitting the dose (morning + evening) better? 3. Is it okay to take creatine with glucose in the morning and plain water at night? 4. Can I also take creatine mixed with water at the same time as eating dinner instead of waiting 1–2 hours? 5. Any advice on correct dosage, hydration, or timing to avoid side effects?

Age: 20
Chronic illnesses: Nothing fit and fine
No sugar
No bp
No diabetis
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
284 days ago
5

Runner’s tip: Creatine can cause ~0.5–1.5 kg water weight gain in the first weeks not fat, but intracellular water. For long-distance races where body weight matters, plan supplementation so this adaptation happens well before competition.

Creatine Monohydrate is safe for healthy athletes when taken at recommended doses (3–5 g/day)

Once-daily creatine (3–5 g) is enough to maintain muscle saturation after the first 2–4 weeks of use. Splitting into 2 smaller doses (e.g., 2 g morning + 2 g evening) can reduce the chance of mild stomach discomfort and may help keep levels more stable if training twice a day. For you, splitting is fine but not necessary it’s a personal tolerance choice.

Taking creatine with carbs (like glucose) may slightly increase uptake due to insulin spike, but the effect is small if your muscles are already saturated. Morning with glucose = fine. Night with plain water = also fine. No harm in mixing methods. You can absolutely take creatine with dinner — there’s no need to wait 1–2 hours. In fact, taking it with a mixed meal (carbs + protein) can improve uptake. The “empty stomach” rule is not necessary for creatine.

Maintenance: 3–5 g/day total (doesn’t need to change for double sessions). No need for “loading phase” if already using creatine.

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Dr. Neeraj Agarwal
I’m an MBBS graduate with a deep commitment to providing meaningful, patient-first care. My clinical training has given me a solid understanding of how to assess and manage a wide variety of health conditions—both common and complex. But beyond just clinical skills, I’ve always believed that the heart of medicine lies in listening. That’s what I try to bring into every consultation: not just treatment, but genuine attention to the person in front of me. I have gained experience across general medicine, paediatrics, emergency care and preventive health. I have treated patients of different age groups and backgrounds, which has helped shaped a more flexible, to diagnosis and management. Whether someone comes with a new symptom or a routine check-up, I aim to deliver evidence-based treatment, explained clearly and tailored to the lifestyle. I’m especially focused on making care accessible and comfortable. Too often, patients feel rushed or confused when they leave a doctor’s office—I try to do the opposite. Taking time to explain options, risks, or even just what’s going on in simple terms is something I take seriously. Communication, I think, is just as important as any prescription. I actively stay updated with current medical guidelines and research, and I’ve been exploring areas of holistic care and preventive medicine too. The more we can do to catch problems early—or better yet, avoid them—the better the outcome for everyone. I’ve seen how small lifestyle changes, when supported properly, can make a big difference to long-term health. There’s still a lot to learn, of course. I think every good doctor keeps learning. But every patient I see teaches me something new, and I carry those lessons forward—with honesty, empathy, and the intent to keep improving.
284 days ago
5

1 Safe — creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched supplements, and it’s generally safe for healthy individuals when taken in proper doses with adequate hydration

2) Standard maintenance: 3–5 g/day total

For most athletes, once daily is enough — creatine accumulates in muscles over time and doesn’t need multiple doses for effect.

Splitting the dose (e.g., 2 g AM + 2 g PM) can help reduce stomach discomfort if you’re sensitive, and since you train twice daily, it’s fine to split — just make sure the total is within 3–5 g/day.

No performance benefit from splitting vs once daily — it’s more about GI comfort

3) Taking creatine with carbs (like glucose) may slightly improve muscle uptake via insulin, but the effect is small unless taken right after training with carbs + protein.

4)You can absolutely take it with dinner — there’s no need to wait.

In fact, taking creatine with a meal (containing carbs/protein) might help absorption a bit.

5) Dosage: Stick to 3–5 g/day (no need for “loading” if you’ve already been using it; loading is optional — 20 g/day split into 4 doses for 5–7 days only when starting).

Hydration: Increase water intake by at least 500–700 mL/day extra while on creatine. For you as a runner doing double sessions, aim for 3–4 L/day total, adjusting for sweat loss.

Timing: Take it daily at roughly the same times — after your workouts

Take creatine with carb plus protein as it helps in recovery

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
284 days ago
5

Hello dear Please be advised See although the dose is safer but still i suggest you to please go for natural products No doubt creatinine is a good muscle builder but later it causes generalised weakening , bloating and acne chances I suggest you to please rely on below products Grams, tofu ( chees) and eggs if you are not vegetarian Whey protein is also a good substitute See i have explained as per my clinical experience. However if you are in doubt you can consult dietician about the creatinine safety for log term use Regards

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Your supplementation routine seems quite common for athletes, but let’s address each point to ensure you’re using creatine safely and effectively. Creatine Monohydrate is generally safe and effective for athletes like yourself, promoting muscle energy production and aiding in recovery when used correctly. Regarding your first question, taking creatine twice a day is often beneficial if your total daily intake is around 3-5 grams. Consuming doses of 3g in the morning and 1-2g in the evening post-workout aligns well with common practice. Also, splitting to take advantage of your body’s response to workouts can be effective. However, this mostly depends on personal preference and digestive tolerance. So, if you’re comfortable with it, it’s fine. Taking creatine with glucose could potentially improve absorption since insulin can help shuttle creatine into muscle cells. It’s okay to take it with water at night, though—ideally, with a small food intake, improving muscle uptake is enough. About timing with dinner, you can pair it with or soon after your meal if convenient. Waiting is unnecessary unless digestive discomfort arises. Ensure adequate hydration, as creatine may increase fluid demands. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps avoid cramps or dehydration-related effects. Creatine’s common dose is around 3-5 grams daily; what you’re doing is reasonable. Adjust if needed by watching response—lethargy or bloating might indicate the need to tweak your intake or timing. Always monitor how your body reacts whether you’re on or off creatine to adjust accordingly, ensuring other factors are considered like overall diet, sleep, and recovery strategies too.

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