[pillefitz]

Unfortunately, I get terribly tired and brain-fogged from even small quantities. Anyone else experienced this?

[xeromal]

I haven't heard of that but I know creatine causes loads of water absorption. I wonder if you're borderline dehydrated and creatine pushes you over the limit.

[ck2]

The water retention can be avoided with low-dose creatine which still has some benefits in studies

Instead of 5grams/day like 2grams/day

You can also spread it out during the day to avoid retention, 1000mg x 4 or x 2

Creatine is also a precursor to SAM-e which is a natural antidepresant

[slymax]

I have the same response. I had it with lots of water but had to stop taking it after a couple of days every time I tried because it made me feel completely zoned-out. Maybe I should try again with a different brand.

[dc_giant]

Be sure it’s pure creatine, they often mix in all kinds of shit. I take creapure just to be sure.

[ck2]

creapure got too expensive IMHO probably tariffs

but you are right, independent testing finds some brands are garbage

* https://supp.co/tested/creatine.pdf

* https://supp.co/articles/suppco-tested-creatine-testing-resu...

I switched to sportsresearch brand when they had a sale on amazon

$19 for 1KG (2.2 pounds) but it's like double that now (don't buy) amazon.com/dp/B0DXR7MPNV

[willy_k]

I’ve found nutricost to be good (they do well in Suppco’s analyses apparently), and they have a great variety of supplements, but very few “blend” type products - I.e. they’re a good place to get what you want for a good deal and nothing more.

[SoftTalker]

I use Creapure (a/k/a "German Creatine")as well. Always hard to know with supplements but Creapure seems to be legit. Also use creatine monohydrate not creatine HCL. Monohydrate is harder to disolve so use warm water (I put mine in my coffee) but it's the one that's been studied the most and has the most documented evidence.

[beacon294]

Just buy 95% creatine monohydrate. This is the most common formulation, but others do exist.