CREATINE VS. PROTEIN: WHEN AND WHY TO USE EACH

Protein and creatine aren’t an either-or situation. If you want to fuel your muscle growth and your performance, your best bet is to take both. But, what is the difference between the two most popular bodybuilding supplements? Understanding what they do and when and why to take each one is the key to success. In this article we’ll discuss the difference between protein and creatine and when (and how!) to take both to support muscle gains.  

CREATINE: THE ENERGY MASTER 

Creatine is made up of amino acids—methionine, arginine and glycine—and occurs naturally in our bodies. It also helps form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a compound that releases energy used for muscle contractions. So, what does creatine do? Because it plays a key role in making ATP, creatine supports immediate energy production during exercise, which boosts your overall athletic performance. Clinical studies have shown that creatine supplements used in conjunction with the appropriate training regimen can improve athletes’ vertical jumps and weightlifting and sprinting abilities. Creatine supplementation has also been shown to increase muscle strength and muscle mass when used in conjunction with resistance training. GNC offers the top creatine supplements to help fuel your goals. 

WHEN TO TAKE CREATINE 

Creatine monohydrate is one of the many types of creatine you’ll see on the market today – it’s also the most popular! Creatine monohydrate is the easiest to find and purchase in a single ingredient, making cost effective. You can also find creatine monohydrate in pre-workout powders or post-workout recovery products like protein powder and mass gainers. Other creatines to keep a lookout for on shelves and product labels are creatine HCl, creatine anhydrous, and micronized creatine.  

When to take creatine is up to you! Before a workout, after or any time of day. The most important thing about creatine supplementation are that you’re consistent and use them daily – even on rest days. 

PROTEIN: THE MUSCLE BUILDER 

To gradually reach optimal creatine levels, a dose of at least three grams of creatine monohydrate per day for at least four weeks is recommended. As far as timing, you have some leeway. You’ll reap the benefits of creatine whether you take that three-gram dosage before, during or after exercise. So, pick whichever option works for you—just make sure to supplement daily for optimal results. If you’re wondering how do I For a more in-depth guide to creatine dosing, our Ultimate Guide to Creatine Dosing is a great resource. 

If you want to get ripped, protein is crucial. Every time you push through punishing reps and increasingly heavier loads of weight, you put your muscles through the ringer. To see the benefits of all that hard work, they need to be able to properly recover. After a workout, when your muscle tissues are broken down, it’s critical to provide your body with what it needs to repair and replenish muscle protein if you want to enhance muscle mass. Supplying your muscles with the right amount of protein before and after working out ensures this vital process can happen efficiently and effectively. 

There are a variety of protein powder muscle-building supplements, including dairy-based varieties (like whey protein powder, casein protein powder  or milk protein powders), novel sources (like eggs and beef) or plant-based powders (like chickpeas, quinoa or soy).  

Whey protein is considered a fast-digesting protein, meaning the amino acids it contains are quickly absorbed in the blood stream. Casein protein on the other hand is digested more slowly, so it’s ideal in the evening. Consuming casein before bed will provide your body with a steady stream of beneficial nutrients throughout the night while you rest. 

Protein powders typically come in three forms: isolate proteins, which have been purified to remove most everything other than the actual protein source; concentrates, which contain mostly protein, with some carbs, fats and other nutrients; and protein blends, which consist of protein from various sources. Read more about the types of protein or get the scoop on our Best Protein Powders to fuel your goals.  

WHEY PROTEIN AND CREATINE 

Creatine is a non-protein amino acid that supports pathways to stimulate muscle growth. Whey protein, for example, contains all nine essential amino acids including the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are essential for muscle growth and repair. If you’re interested in learning more about BCAA’s and their role in muscle support, check out the What are BCAAs article. Find all three products in the links below. 

When To Take Protein

No matter which protein you choose, if you’re looking to bulk up, timing is everything. You should eat small amounts of protein throughout the day, but consuming high-quality whey protein immediately after exercise is the most effective way to ensure your body will have the resources needed to repair and rebuild muscle. When you don’t get enough, your body taps into its protein stores for fuel and muscle repair, which can inhibit your athletic goals