Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder Review
One of the most frequently used muscle boosters is the Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Powder which is creatine monohydrate – highly valued as one of the safest and purest muscle boosters.
The first thing you need to know is that this is not a steroid nor it’s a drug that is going to interfere with your natural metabolism or your daily lifestyle. This question has often been discussed in forums or social networking sites, so we felt the need to address it right away.
In addition to increasing the lean body mass, it is used for treating some medical conditions such as creatine deficiency syndromes that impact the brain, bone density, congestive heart failure, aging, Parkinson’s disease, muscles and nerves diseases, etc. However, the most frequent use is found in improving the athletic capabilities of healthy people during intensive exercises and for adding extra muscle mass.
Creatine monohydrate is an amino acid derivative which functions as a substitute for fuel that is primarily found in the skeletal muscles and the brain – we get it the food we eat, particularly red meat and seafood.
Since it has been permitted for use by the International Olympic Committee and National Collegiate Athletic Association, we feature this creatine powder as one of those supplements that can help you increase your muscle strength and endurance.
Pure micronized creatine monohydrate
Ensures maximum potency during your workouts
It increases lean muscle mass
Easy to dissolve and easy to absorb
Affordable
Chalk-like taste
It can cause some kidney-related health issues
Benefits
When used by seniors, it has greater results as it helps to reactivate and increase the lean muscle mass, improve the overall physical ability, and increase the ability to perform more than just basic daily activities.
The science behind supports the use of creatine to enhance people's physical endurance during high-intensity workouts as it affects only the lean muscle mass and has no influence on body mass whatsoever.
Micronized Creatine Powder is also used as a recovery product and as an after injury treatment, as it helps muscles regain the tissue and repair any tears.
In addition to being super beneficial for athletes’ performance, it is shown to have some advantages in treating a wide range of medical conditions, most of which imply lowered or lack of creatine.
There’s particularly one group of people who will benefit the most from taking creatine and that is vegetarians and vegans. Since creatine is mostly found in meat, many vegans and vegetarians may experience low levels of creatine in their bodies. When they add creatine to their diet, it will help increase creatine levels in muscles.
Use and Dosing
Sometimes, in case of health issues, it is advisable to discuss the use with your doctor prior to taking the Micronized Creatine Powder since it can cause adverse reaction in case there’s an intolerance.
When you first start using the Micronized Creatine Powder, you need a dosing protocol so that your body gets used to it and loads for almost immediate effect. Mind you though that a single or a very short-term use won’t provide any benefits; you need at least a week’s use to notice any effects.
The dosing protocol for first-time users includes taking 20 grams daily until the body reaches an optimum level of creatine, and then gradually lower the dose to roughly 5-6 grams to maintain said level. Those who’ve been taking it, they just need the maintenance dose of 3-6 grams a day.
The optimum result can be seen after two to three months when users can expect an increase in the lean muscle mass, in their physical strength, and endurance.
When to Use It
The reason behind this is that beginners and irregular users don’t have sufficient and stable creatine levels, so when you take it after high-intensity exercises it will directly affect your muscles and help repair them.
On the other hand, if you are a regular user who’s been taking about 5 grams a day, then it makes no difference whether you take it in the morning, pre-workout or post-workout.
How to Use It
Many athletes, particularly those who have decided to use it post-workout, mix it with their protein shake or energy drink. In addition, it can be added to caffeine drinks and juices since it has no taste whatsoever. Blended in juices it will surely modify the structure of the liquid by making it more chalky, so this is the least favorable option.
To ensure you're taking 5 grams, the package comes with a rounded 5-gram spoon, so the only thing you need to do is fill the spoon and add the powder to your drink of choice.
Supplement Safety
What users are advised to do is to read carefully the information provided on the product label as what is to be found on their website might be slightly different.
You need to pay attention to warnings and the allergens within. Bear in mind that none of the dietary supplements have been evaluated by the FDA and they aren’t intended to prevent or treat any health conditions.
About Optimum Nutrition
The company claims to be using the finest raw materials with a Certificate of Analysis required for every ingredient that is afterward tested and retested for compliance.
Heritage
Its highest quality Gold Standard 100% Whey is the best selling whey protein in the world. Plus, ON has made one of the finest slowly digesting protein with Gold Standard 100% Casein.
All these products, the stringent quality control and the ability to select and offer the best in every category have cemented the status of this brand as highly reliable and trustworthy.
This is why you can find their products in more than 10,000 specialty retail stores, fitness centers, gyms, as well as drug stores and major grocery chains.
Value
Plus you can choose from 28, 60, 120, 240, and 400 servings, the best in terms of price-value being the 400-serving packaging.
If you consider that you are supposed to take one serving per day, the number of servings equals the number of days you’ll be using the creatine powder for.
Bottom Line
The product is made out of micronized creatine monohydrate in its purest form which means it is easily absorbed and works only on muscles without affecting the body fats.
This is an unflavored powder that is relatively easy to dissolve in any beverage, especially recommended to be used in post-workout protein drinks to help muscles regain their strength and capacity. A dose of 5 grams is the daily recommended intake.
Priced to meet the needs of users on the tightest budget, the Micronized Creatine Powder is what you need if your goal is extra lean muscle mass and more energy for your high-intensity workouts.