NOW FoodsSports Nutrition, Micronized Creatine Powder 500 g, Mass Building*/Energy Production*, 1.1-Pound

Made in the USA. 100% pure creatine monohydrate with no fillers. I use lots of NOW products and love them all. They are all all-natural and most are Made in the USA.Creatine monohydrate is one of the only legal substances that is proven to increase muscle mass long term in hundreds of clinical studies, with only one study citing a negative impact (possibly reacts badly if you are on medication that adversely affects kidney function). It has a ton of research to back it up, many of which you can just look up on wikipedia so I won't repeat them here. It is the only thing I supplement with other than protein.The way creatine works is as a energy reserve for your muscles so when you are deep into intense exercise it can be called on.. like a long-term storage-sugar that waits in your muscles until it is ready to be used. Make sure you drink plenty of water when supplementing with creatine because it is similar to a salt, if you let yourself get dehydrated much of its benefits will be countered.THE REST OF THE REVIEW IS FROM A VEGETARIAN BODYBUILDERS PERSPECTIVEPersonally, I am vegetarian, so naturally I get zero creatine supplemented by my diet. There was one study done on creatine with vegetarians that showed they far out-preformed meat-eating creatine users in cognitive tests. And out-preformed vegetarians who weren't supplementing with creatine. So that is just a double bonus. There is a difference in mental clarity although you do not need the mega-doses prescribed for body building for that effect. HOWEVER, creatine is typically not sourced from plant sources, although a plant sourced creatine exists it is extremely expensive, most creatine is actually synthesized from amino acids. The amino acids could be sourced from any number of plant or animal sources, from whey, to eggs, to plants, or all of the above. Likely they are sourced from the cheapest and most commonly available sources but it's hard to find that stuff out.It doesn't say on the bottle but two reviewers posted helpful links in the comments after the review that this is suitable for vegetarians/vegans.I'm a vegetarian body builder so with creatine I am willing to bend because there are so many studies backing it up in addition to the vegetarian study. After beginning supplementation I could instantly push myself for 20% more reps.. and I always do reps until muscular failure so I doubt it is a placebo effect. Other clinical studies also dual tested with placebo's of course so there is more than just my personal experience supporting that.BUT there is less effect for meat eaters because creatine is already naturally found in meat. Vegetarians will notice a much larger impact in their workouts. I have been vegetarian for 12 years, but I used creatine before I became vegetarian. My memory is hazy, but I remember it basically doing nothing. But as a vegetarian BAM! instant results.I used creatine for a year when I thought a glass of red wine a day was good for you. That will mess you up. Body building, creatine, and alcohol in any quantity do not mix. Creatine already dehydrates you because it is a salt, as does hard workouts. Throw a bit of alcohol into the mix, which also dehydrates you due to sulfates, and it made me physically ill. Some studies in the past have shown that creatine can affect the liver or kidneys, but those studies have been refuted and even the European union's medical board gave the opinion that 3G of creatine a day for years of use is completely harmless. But alcohol does effect liver and kidneys so drinking alcohol is essentially the same thing as taking a medication that affects those organs, so I would highly advise against mixing creatine with alcohol.Hope this review helped.

What can I say, it's creatine. I noted that, since I've started using this stuff, I have a lot more energy in the gym. I have broken through the plateau that I have been stuck at for months and my bench has gone up - haven't maxed lately since I work out alone and that can be risky, but my working rep sets have gone up by a good 20 lbs. And 45-50 minute sessions are now the norm - I could go longer, even, but I have a family so I can't spend hours upon hours at the gym. Overall, with the gains in strength and endurance, not bad for a suburban dad who works in an office all day and is rapidly approaching 35.It doesn't taste like anything, so that that for what you will. Some people like the artificially sweetened stuff, I have no need. Just give me the powder and a glass of water - I'm drinking it for what it is, not because I'm looking for a taste experience that will blow my mind and transcend understanding.I selected this product admittedly for the price, which seemed to be the best price-per-use by far. If you're looking for a good, solid product that is 100% creatine monohydrate, and has no filler, no colors, no flavoring, just a no-frills, all-business creatine supplement at a reasonable price, this is the product for you. I will probably buy a second tub when the first runs out.

I have been using this and have noticed a difference. First off, I gained about 4lbs in the 1st week. This is just water weight as this stuff is osmotically active and really sucks the H2O into your cells. I also notice a little better muscle energy, seem less fatigued, and feel a little better after exercise. I turned into the Hulk one day while in front of the mirror... kidding of course.Important points that may make creatine work differently for me than you.I have some medical issues and basically can't eat solid food so I have been tweaking my liquid diet to try and get as well rounded as possible as I am on month 4 of full liquids.Obviously, I don't (can't) eat meat and that is where we get creatine from. Since I don't get any in my diet, I did notice a difference quickly. If you are chowing down on steak and eggs, eating massive amounts of herring, or some other natural creatine source, you may not notice as big a change as quickly as someone such as myself.I make sure to take this with juice. I like bolthouse farms juices as it is thick and has tons of fruits in it. The thickness hides the slight grittiness of the creatine. If you don't take this with something sugary, you may not get an instant boost like I did either. Creatine needs an insulin boost to be absorbed by you muscles and that is why the directions say to drink with juice :)So overall this Now product seems pretty good (I also use Now "Carbo-Gain" and it is good too) and I would guess comparable to higher priced stuff. A test is when you mix it, then drink it, is there residue left in the bottom of the glass? If yes, it is cheap and has fillers, this does not so hopefully it also fully absorbs in my body too. Good price here and I will be buying in the future as I am planning to use this in my long term meal plans.