How Long Does Creatine Last? Does it Go Bad?

You would surely know about creatine if you are fitness enthusiastic.

This is a supplement that people take on regular bases because of which they store it in their homes.

But while storing these products, they get infested with question like do creatine go bad?

That is because once creatine is stored, it tends to lose its taste over time.

Yes, these supplements can go bad; thus, it is advised to use them before these supplements get expire or provide them with better storage to exceed their life.

What is Creatine?

It is a natural source stored in the muscle of the body as phosphocreatine to provide energy.

A good amount of creatine you need can be intake with your diet.

By having a carnivorous diet, one can fulfill half of their creatine, and the other half is produced in the kidney and liver.

These are stored by the body and utilized whenever we perform any physical activity.

However, for more energy and better athletic performance, many people take creatine supplements.

There are various creatine supplements present that can offer instant and continuous energy to your muscles.

Milk, seafood, and red meat are some foods that are rich in creatine.

It not only provides energy but can also help in better post-workout recovery.

Vegetarian people generally have creatine in their diet; thus, by taking its supplements, they can fulfill their nutritional needs.

How Long Does Creatine Last? Does Creatine Go Bad?

Even though creatine can go bad, there are still chances that you can save it.

Unlike other supplement products, creatine supplements have a more stable and longer life.

That is because all dietary supplements get bad earlier than creatine.

This supplement’s usual shelf life is 2 -3 years, but these are just expected dates.

The supplement can be used for a longer time if you have followed better storage methods.

Generally, all the supplements get bad within six months of opening.

However, creatine can serve you for a longer time than that as it contains stable compounds like creatine monohydrate.

There are two types of creatine available those are powdered and liquid.

The liquid creatine will not serve you for long as it will begin to decrease its quantity once they are open.

Thus people must not use liquid creatine after their best-by date.

By keeping powdered creatine at a cool and dry place, one can use it for more than one year, even beyond its best-before date.

In simple words, you can use any of your creatine supplements within three years and avoid them if they are stored for more than that.

How to Tell if Creatine Has Gone Bad?

• Changes in Color.

You can clearly examine creatine and see if there is any discoloration.

Compare the current color of the supplement to the color when you bought it.

If any change is visible, then be sure to avoid eating that supplement.

The discoloration is caused by bacteria or because of prolonged storage.

• Check Out Its Texture .

In powdered creatine, you can check out the consistency of the powder to see if it is good.

Over time one can notice lumps in their supplement.

These are the true indicators that your creatine is no better to eat.

Lumps formation happens if the supplement is exposed to moisture.

Thus be sure to avoid having powdered creatine that has lumps in it.

• The Overpowering Smell .

Another best way that can help you to find out bad creatine is the smell.

When you buy a new pack or box of creatine, then its smell will be neutral.

That means there will not be a strong smell, but once these supplements lose their potency over time.

They develop an overpowering smell because as time passes, bacteria forms in it that causes a strong odor.

Once they have developed an odor, then there is nothing you can do except avoid eating them.

How to Store Creatine?

• Place of Storage.

When you are looking for a place to store this creatine, then the place should be far away from direct heat and sunlight.

That is because excess exposure to heat and light will increase the process of breaking down the supplements’ components.

Continued heating increases the speed of the deterioration process and makes it go bad quickly.

• Moisture.

The supplements should be kept in an airy place.

It is obvious that there are higher chances that your creatine will go bad if you keep its pack open.

Until the pack is closed, it can live a good shelf life.

Thus you are opening the pack, then be sure to keep it safe from moisture and oxygen.

• Airtight Container .

For open packs, one should use airtight containers because exposure or interaction with any of the other elements will make the supplement go bad faster.

You can use a container or Ziploc bag and transfer the creatine to save it for a more extended period of time.

Conclusion

Keeping the creatine in good storage will surely give it a longer life without losing its quality.

You can keep it intact without opening the pack or keeping the supplement in an airtight jar.

There is no need to worry as the supplement is highly stable and can last for years if kept far from moisture.

Whenever you are having your supplement after prolonged storage, look for the above-provided sign to find whether the creatine is good or bad.