How long until Creatine takes effect?

[supermonkey23]

I'm new to Creatine. I will start taking it tomorrow (no loading phase, just 2.5g before and 2.5g after workout).

Will it effect my workout tomorrow, or no? How long until my muscle is 'saturated' with creatine?

And, side question: Should I take it with Dextrose? If so, should I use dextrose before or after workout?

[ucfmatt]

No loading phase? It could take weeks before you notice any difference at all.

I like to load for ~5-6 days, the following week I start noticing the effects.

[dvsness]

Saturation is about the same at 3 weeks whether or not you load.

Dextrose is not needed. Personally, I don't recommend using a carb source with no nutritional value.

[supermonkey23]

Hmm, so taking creatine won't have any effect until 3 weeks?

[trueathlete]

I'm new to Creatine. I will start taking it tomorrow (no loading phase, just 2.5g before and 2.5g after workout).

Will it effect my workout tomorrow, or no? How long until my muscle is 'saturated' with creatine?

And, side question: Should I take it with Dextrose? If so, should I use dextrose before or after workout?

Creatine is an enzyme of protein and after 2 weeks there is no difference as to the time of day that you take it. The studies show that 2.5 to 5 grams is the beneficial range to use for supplementation, any more and it will be eliminated as cratinine and is hard on the kidneys. This is why most manufactures suggest that you drink enough water to pee clear which only serves to strip you of water soluble B vitamins and causes you to need to take more. If you get a "Lift" or energy from your creatine supplement check the sugar and caffeine content neither of which are natural in creatine but are used to make you think the product works great.

[terracotta]

It's much healthier if not loaded.

[trueathlete]

It's much healthier if not loaded.

Agree!!

[pu12en12g]

Saturation is about the same at 3 weeks whether or not you load.

Dextrose is not needed. Personally, I don't recommend using a carb source with no nutritional value.

^^^^

Amen

[supermonkey23]

Is there a chance it will effect me sooner than 3 weeks, or is it 3 weeks+?

And is the dextrose needed at all, if I'm going to take a Protein shake 15-20 mins after the Creatine? (doesn't the protein shake have sugar in it?)

[terracotta]

The dextrose is not necessary. It takes 3 weeks to reach FULL saturation, it is a build up, not an "all of a sudden thing". Don't expect the creatine to give you a huge push in the gym.. you might feel a bit stronger, but it isn't an extreme change.

[pu12en12g]

Is there a chance it will effect me sooner than 3 weeks

Absolutely... and carbs have LESS to do with creatine transport and MORE to do with performance enhancement and post-workout recovery (that's the VERY short version). So if you are going to drink carbs during training, do it for the right reason. If you want to enhance the creatine AND performance, consider gatorade / powerade / electrolytes. Once you are 18, check out GlycerGROW.