Can You Mix Creatine With Pre Workout? Is It Safe?

can you mix creatine with pre workout
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Are you someone who takes their fitness seriously and is always looking for ways to maximize their performance in the gym? If so, you have probably heard of both creatine and pre workout supplements. 

Creatine is a popular supplement that is known for its ability to increase strength and muscle mass. In contrast, pre workout supplements are designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance. 

But, Can you mix creatine with pre workout? what happens when you combine these two supplements? Is it safe to mix creatine with pre workout? Or is it better to take them individually? 

In this article, we will dive into the science behind these supplements and give you a decisive answer on whether or not they can be taken together. 

So, buckle up and get ready to learn everything you need to know about mixing creatine with pre workout supplements.

Can You Mix Creatine With Pre Workout?

You can mix creatine with pre workout supplements. In fact, many pre workout supplements already contain creatine as one of their common active ingredients. 

Creatine is a popular supplement that is known to enhance muscle strength and improve exercise performance, making it a worthwhile addition to any fitness routine.

However, it’s important to note that not all pre workout supplements are created equally, and some of them may contain ingredients that could react with creatine and cause unwanted side effects. 

Therefore, it’s important to read the labels and consult with a professional before combining creatine with any pre workout supplement.

It’s also necessary to follow the dosages and take them in a controlled manner to avoid overloading your body with too many active ingredients at once. 

Too much creatine or pre workout supplements can lead to adverse effects such as dehydration, stomach upset, or even kidney damage.

Takeaway: Mixing creatine with pre workout supplements can be a safe and effective way to enhance your overall performance in the gym, but it’s important to do your research and pursue recommended dosages to avoid potential side effects.

Related: Can You Mix Creatine With Protein Powder? Safe Or Not?

Is it Safe to Mix Creatine With Pre Workout?

Mixing creatine with pre workout supplements is generally safe when done in moderation along with following advised dosages. 

Further, it’s important to be aware of the potential reactions between the two supplements and any underlying health conditions that may increase the risk of side effects.

Pre workout supplements often contain caffeine and other stimulants that can cause dehydration, and combining them with creatine may aggravate this effect. 

Moreover, creatine may cause digestive issues in some people, so it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time to avoid any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.

Overall, if taken in moderation and with caution, combining creatine with pre workout supplements can be a safe and effective way to enhance athletic performance. 

Related: Can You Mix Pre Workout With Protein Powder? Is It Suitable?

Creatine Vs Pre Workout

creatine and pre workout
itakdalee/iStock

Creatine and pre workout supplements are two popular dietary supplements used by many athletes and fitness fanatics to enhance their performance during workouts, but they also serve some different purposes.

Creatine

Creatine is a substance that’s found naturally in the body and is mainly produced in the liver and kidneys. It provides energy to cells, especially muscle cells, and is important for muscle contraction during exercise.

If you take creatine supplements, you can increase the levels of this substance in your muscles, which can lead to improved strength, endurance, and muscle mass.

It has been extensively researched and has been shown to improve muscle strength, power, and endurance, making it a widespread supplement for athletes who engage in high-intensity training [1, 2, 3].

Pre Workout

Pre workout supplements, on the other hand, are particularly designed to help you get the most out of your workouts. They often contain various ingredients that can enhance your focus, energy, and performance, such as caffeine and amino acids like beta-alanine [4]. 

These supplements are taken before exercising to reduce fatigue and improve endurance, allowing you to work out harder for longer periods of time [5, 6].

Using these supplements can be a dynamic experience for some people. For example, taking creatine can make you feel more confident and powerful, as you start to see the results of your hard work in the gym. 

Similarly, taking a pre workout can give you a rush of energy and excitement, making you feel invincible and ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way. 

However, it’s important to remember that supplements are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. They should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of rest and recovery. 

So, whether you’re using creatine or a pre workout, make sure to approach your workouts with focus, determination, and a positive attitude, and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your fitness goals.

Both supplements can be used together or separately, depending on individual needs and goals. It’s important to use them responsibly and according to the recommended dosages to avoid any possible side effects.

Takeaway: Creatine is more focused on enhancing muscle performance, while pre-workout supplements are designed to improve overall workout performance. 

Check our separate article about Creatine vs Pre Workout, where we compare both supplements thoroughly and answer some related queries.

How to Use Creatine And Pre Workout?

When it comes to using creatine and pre workout supplements they both are used pretty differently.

Creatine is typically taken in a loading phase of 20-25 grams per day for the first week, which is then followed by a maintenance phase of 3-5 grams per day [7, 8]. It’s best to take creatine with a meal or post-workout shake which can help with absorption.

Pre workout supplements are typically taken 15-30 minutes before exercise and should be consumed with water or a shake. 

It’s important to mindfully read the labels and follow the suggested dosages to avoid any potential adverse effects.

When combining creatine and pre workout supplements, it’s important to monitor how your body reacts and modify dosages as needed. 

It’s also crucial to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to optimize the benefits of these supplements. 

Advantages of Mixing Creatine With Pre Workout

Mixing creatine with pre workout supplements can have several advantages for those looking to optimize their workout performance.

Firstly, combining these supplements can lead to a synergistic effect that enhances their individual benefits. 

As mentioned, creatine is known to improve muscle strength and endurance, while pre workout supplements can improve mental focus and energy levels. Together, these effects can help you to push yourself harder and get more out of your workouts.

Secondly, evidence suggests that creatine can help to improve muscle protein synthesis, which is important for muscle growth and recovery [9]. 

Pre workout supplements, on the other hand, have been found to help with reducing muscle fatigue and improving muscle endurance [10, 11], allowing you to perform more reps and sets, leading to greater muscle stimulation and ultimately more muscle growth.

Finally, combining creatine with pre workout supplements can be convenient, as it eliminates the need to take multiple supplements at different times of the day. 

Instead, you can take them together before your workout, making it easier to remember and adhere to your supplement regimen.

Overall, combining creatine with pre workout supplements can help to enhance your workout performance, promote muscle growth and recovery, and provide a suitable and efficient way to take multiple supplements.

Disadvantages of Mixing Creatine With Pre Workout

When combining creatine with pre workout supplements, it is essential to be aware of any potential interactions or side effects.

For example, some pre workout supplements may contain ingredients that can cause dehydration or increase blood pressure, which can be worsened by the use of creatine. Additionally, studies state that creatine can cause stomach upset and appetite issues in some people [12, 13, 14], and some common gastrointestinal problems involve diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. 

So, it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time to avoid any digestive issues.

One of the main concerns is the potential for overstimulation and excessive caffeine consumption. Many pre workout supplements contain high levels of caffeine, which can cause jitters, anxiety, excessive sweating, crash, and insomnia [15, 16, 17], especially when combined with other stimulants like creatine. 

Pre workout supplements are also known to cause some other problems like diarrhea, constipation, and acne.

Also, mixing these supplements can increase the risk of dehydration, especially if you don’t drink enough water during your workout. 

Both creatine and pre workout supplements can cause water retention, leading to a higher risk of dehydration, which can be dangerous.

In the end, combining supplements can lead to potential interactions and side effects. 

It’s important to carefully read the labels and follow recommended dosages to avoid any adverse effects, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or you are taking other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Summary

Creatine and pre workout supplements are two of the most popular supplements among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. 

While creatine is a well-known supplement for increasing muscle strength and size, pre workout supplements are designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance during exercise. The question arises whether it is safe to mix creatine with pre workout supplements.

The good news is that you can mix creatine with pre workout and creatine and pre workout supplements can be taken together without any harmful interactions. 

In fact, some pre workout supplements even contain creatine as one of their ingredients. However, it is important to be cautious about the dosage and timing of the supplements.

We recommended taking creatine either before or after a workout, it actually does not matter that much, while pre workout supplements are designed and should be taken 30-45 minutes before exercise. 

Additionally, it is crucial to read the labels and be aware of the ingredients in both supplements to avoid overdosing on any particular ingredient.

In the end, creatine and pre workout supplements can be safely combined to enhance exercise performance. 

However, it is important to heed the advised dosages and timing for each supplement to avoid any negative effects on health and performance.


More About Creatine And Pre Workout

Pre Workout vs Fat Burner – Differences and Which Is Better?

Does pre workout break a fast? Can you take it while fasting?

Creatine Vs Fat Burners – Differences and Similarities 

Can You Dry Scoop Creatine? Yes, But There’s a Catch

Does Creatine Make You Pee? Everything You Need To Know


References

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  2. Kreider, R.B., Kalman, D.S., Antonio, J. et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 14, 18 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
  3. Antonio, J., Candow, D.G., Forbes, S.C. et al. Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show?. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 18, 13 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w
  4. Harty PS, Zabriskie HA, Erickson JL, Molling PE, Kerksick CM, Jagim AR. Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018 Aug 8;15(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6. PMID: 30089501; PMCID: PMC6083567.
  5. Outlaw JJ, Wilborn CD, Smith-Ryan AE, Hayward SE, Urbina SL, Taylor LW, Foster CA. Acute effects of a commercially-available pre-workout supplement on markers of training: a double-blind study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014 Aug 15;11:40. doi: 10.1186/s12970-014-0040-0. PMID: 25302053; PMCID: PMC4190923.
  6. Martinez, N., Campbell, B., Franek, M. et al. The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 13, 29 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0138-7
  7. Hall M, Trojian TH. Creatine supplementation. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2013 Jul-Aug;12(4):240-4. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31829cdff2. PMID: 23851411.
  8. Hultman E, Söderlund K, Timmons JA, Cederblad G, Greenhaff PL. Muscle creatine loading in men. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1996 Jul;81(1):232-7. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1996.81.1.232. PMID: 8828669.
  9. Ingwall JS, Weiner CD, Morales MF, Davis E, Stockdale FE. Specificity of creatine in the control of muscle protein synthesis. J Cell Biol. 1974 Jul;62(1):145-51. doi: 10.1083/jcb.62.1.145. PMID: 4407046; PMCID: PMC2109188.
  10. Kaczka P, Batra A, Kubicka K, Maciejczyk M, Rzeszutko-Bełzowska A, Pezdan-Śliż I, Michałowska-Sawczyn M, Przydział M, Płonka A, Cięszczyk P, Humińska-Lisowska K, Zając T. Effects of Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Anaerobic Performance: Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 9;17(21):8262. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17218262. PMID: 33182295; PMCID: PMC7664913.
  11. Kedia AW, Hofheins JE, Habowski SM, Ferrando AA, Gothard MD, Lopez HL. Effects of a pre-workout supplement on lean mass, muscular performance, subjective workout experience and biomarkers of safety. Int J Med Sci. 2014 Jan 2;11(2):116-26. doi: 10.7150/ijms.7073. PMID: 24465156; PMCID: PMC3894395.
  12. Ostojic SM, Ahmetovic Z. Gastrointestinal distress after creatine supplementation in athletes: are side effects dose dependent? Res Sports Med. 2008;16(1):15-22. doi: 10.1080/15438620701693280. PMID: 18373286.
  13. Poortmans JR, Francaux M. Adverse effects of creatine supplementation: fact or fiction? Sports Med. 2000 Sep;30(3):155-70. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200030030-00002. PMID: 10999421.
  14. Smith J, Dahm DL. Creatine use among a select population of high school athletes. Mayo Clin Proc. 2000 Dec;75(12):1257-63. doi: 10.4065/75.12.1257. PMID: 11126833.
  15. Richards G, Smith A. Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression in secondary school children. J Psychopharmacol. 2015 Dec;29(12):1236-47. doi: 10.1177/0269881115612404. Epub 2015 Oct 27. PMID: 26508718; PMCID: PMC4668773.
  16. Nouri-Majd S, Salari-Moghaddam A, Hassanzadeh Keshteli A, Afshar H, Esmaillzadeh A, Adibi P. Coffee and caffeine intake in relation to symptoms of psychological disorders among adults. Public Health Nutr. 2022 Jan 31;25(12):1-28. doi: 10.1017/S1368980022000271. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35094730; PMCID: PMC9991700.
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