Creatine is a very important element found naturally in our bodies. However, people use it as a supplement too. They use it to gain strength to do exercises and lifting.

But a common concern arises when creatine becomes clumpy. People become concerned about whether they should take it or not.

So to answer the question, Is Clumpy creatine bad?

No. Clumpy creatine is not bad. In fact, it doesn’t impose any harm to the body if consumed in this form. It actually becomes clumpy due to moisture. It absorbs moisture when it’s exposed to air. Thus, resulting in it becoming clumpy in nature. So, it’s generally clumpy and grainy.

Seems interesting? Then you’re right where you should be. We will go over the details in our article.

So, are you ready for it? Let’s get right at it!

Clumpy Creatine- Is It Alarming? 

Creatine tends to absorb moisture when exposed to air. Due to the absorption of moisture, it may become clumpy. But this does not mean they are expired. It is okay to consume clumpy creatine. They are not bad for your health.  

Ensuring a proper dissolution of the creatine mixture is essential. It also shouldn’t give you bloating effects.

Generally, creatine has an expiry date of up to 2 to 3 years. The expiry date of the creatine depends on the form of creatine in the supplement. Powdered creatine may be safe to consume after one or two years after the expiry date.

Normally creatine monohydrate is a bit clumpy and grainy. It can get stuck to the surface if kept in something. People break it down to avoid inconvenience and mix it better with the water.

Composition of Creatine

The main function of creatine in vertebrates is to recycle Adenosine triphosphate in muscle and brain tissue. There can be various modifications of creatine in the solution. It’s an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H9N3O2.

How To Use Creatine

Creatine or creatine monohydrate normally has a long life. They are actually useful even after the expiry date. The expiry date extends up to 2-3  years. You can still use the medicine after the expiration of the date labeled on the packet.

People normally buy creatine in huge quantities. By storing them properly they can be used for a long period. There are also things to avoid such as creatine flowing in sparkling water.

You have to know the signs of bacteria introduction to the Powder because they are the only threats that you might find. But bacterial infection can easily be spotted.

If the powder becomes clumpy, the color is changed and a foul smell, it’s better to avoid them. Creatine is technically harmless even after these symptoms. Their working capacity might be lost but they are not harmful to your health. They might not work like before but they will not make you sick.

In any rare case if you experience side effects of creatine powder you should consult with your physician.

Working Mechanism of Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid product that boosts our ability by generating ATP energy. For bodybuilding, increasing strength, and developing body structure creatine is one of the most important supplements.

Creatine is very effective for extensive exercise. This amino acid is produced in the body naturally. There is phosphocreatine stored in our body. Creatine supplement tries to increase the store amount of it. It is produced through ATP depletion. 

Now you may ask why people would take creatine supplements. Creatine supplements have many benefits. It helps to increase stamina and gives the ability to train longer and harder by improving cell signaling.

Different Types of Creatine Products

There are different types of creatine products that are used by people. They are liquid creatine, creatine gluconate, creatine ethyl ester, buffered creatine, and creatine hydrochloride (HCL). Creatine with beta-alanine is also used by a lot of people to experience optimum gains.

Creatine expiration

Normally creatine lasts up to 2 to 3 years. On the other hand, creatine monohydrate is supposed to last two years longer than its expiry date. You need to be careful of a few things as a user. They are: 

Store in a cool and dark place. They can last for a long time. But liquid creatine does not last longer than its expiry date. You can fall sick by consuming expired liquid creatine. 

Normal protein powder lasts up to 6 months. But creatine is very stable. It does not break into creatine monohydrates easily. There isn’t much difference even if you do not store them properly.

A study shows that creatine didn’t break down even after four years if stored at a high temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. Other forms of creatine can be less stable. For example, liquid creatine or creatine ethyl Ester. 

Effects of Expired Creatine

We have already known that creatine can still be used after the expiry date. They are unlikely to break down for several years after production. So creatine and especially creatine monohydrate can be used for a long time. That is 2 to 3 years within the date and an additional two years after the expiry date.

There shouldn’t be any side effects. Creatine Is an inexpensive product. So if you have any confusion, or any doubt regarding the storage mechanism, expiration date, or quality of the medicine it’s better to replace it.

How to Store Creatine

The best way to store creatine is in an airtight container. The place you are going to use to store creatine should be dry. It’s better if it’s dark and cool.

You should not keep the container of creatine in sunlight because sunlight may increase the rate of the breakdown process. Do not expose them to moisture, otherwise, they will become clumpy. Though clumpy creatine is not bad. But with moisture comes bacteria then the creatine can actually go bad.

Duration of Usability of Creatine

The normal duration of creatine is about 2 to 3 years from production if stored properly. But the durability depends largely on the form of creatine you’re using. The most stable form of creatine is creatine monohydrate. It lasts past the estimated expiration date.

The Professional’s suggestion is to keep the expiration date in mind, and store your creatine properly. And, you don’t have to be that serious about the expiry date. If you see it does not work as before, you should stop using them. 

Identification of Expired Creatine

It’s difficult to differentiate between expired creatine and normal creatinine. No mentionable physical change occurs after the breaking down of creatine.

From time to time you might find clumpy creatine, but that might be the result of moisture getting inside the container by any chance. The typical indication of bacteria-infested creatinine is discoloration and a strange smell coming from it.

FAQs

Why is my creatine getting gritty?

There is nothing to worry about gritty creatine. Creatine monohydrate is normally a bit grainy. They might get stuck to the glass while using it. To mix it better with the water you can break it down further.

Can you fix clumpy creatine?

Is not necessary to take any steps to fix clumpy creatine. Because they’re already okay. But if you are not comfortable using them then you might put the hard supplement in a blender and blend them into powder. Later you can store the powder form in an airtight container.

How do you dry out clumpy pre-workout?

You can dry out your clumpy pre-workout in a freezer. Or just leave it open if that makes you comfortable. Professional advice is to keep a silica packet from the last pre-workout and place it inside the new one. This process will reduce the excess amount of moisture and overall I think will be protected from being clumpy.

Conclusion

This was all from us regarding is clumpy creatine bad? We did our best to explain everything in simple words. Make sure you are safely using creatine in your body.

Have questions? Let us know in the comment section!

Till then, good luck!