Editor’s comments: Most retailers of creatine products recommend taking their products post workout. If you’re taking creatine monohydrate, it’s recommend you stack it with some dextrose or grape juice – the reason for this is that it usually increases uptake, as your system is diminished and the simple sugars are rapidly absorbed to replenish muscle glycogen.

However, once your muscles cells are “loaded” with creatine, when you take creatine becomes less of an issue – as long as you do take it daily to maintain muscle creatine levels, you should get the results you want.

I did have cramps in my calves, which I have read is a common side effect. I had about one a week.

The one that works best is creatine monohydrate by Prolab – just straight creatine with water. Taken with a lot of water, and in a week I see a difference like with no other product. I hope this helps someone out!

Editor’s comments Tom, we’re not surprised. Creatine is an effective supplement, but the only “proven” version is the plain old, powdered creatine monohydrate. All the other “more advanced” versions of creatine have not been verified by clinical studies (as has CM).