Gainer: shelf life of opened dry and diluted

Forms of Creatine

Bodybuilders and powerlifters use a lot of energy during training. To replenish reserves, they take sports nutrition with creatine. There are several forms of creatine. They all differ slightly in properties; each athlete determines which one is better for himself. The most popular forms:

1. Kre-Alkalyn is a formula patented by the Geff Golini company (2002). Increases strength, muscle endurance, improves training performance.
2. Creatine anhydrous (anhydrous). The concentration of the substance per serving is approximately 6% higher than other forms, but this does not affect the effectiveness.
3. Tartrate. The form is used for the manufacture of sports nutrition in the form of tablets, capsules, and chewing strips.
4. Citrate. Due to the addition of a citric acid molecule, creatine of this form is more easily soluble in water. Citrate is used to prepare effervescent tablets.
5. Hydrochloride. The form has higher bioavailability.
6. Monohydrate. The “classical” form, according to experts, is by far the best, or at least clinically studied.

The last two forms are the most common. Therefore, it would be useful to know what the shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride is. This will avoid trouble.

Is it possible to drink expired protein?

Expired protein: drink or throw away? How effective is this protein? These questions arise not only among those who want to save money and buy a protein mixture with an expiration date (as a rule, sports nutrition stores sell such supplements at deep discounts), but also among athletes who, for some reason, were forced to interrupt training, and then they decided to resume them again. And when you pick up a package of expired protein, you wonder: what to do in such a situation?

Protein, like all food products, has its own shelf life. Manufacturers indicate a time frame during which the use of additives will be guaranteed to be safe and the product will retain all its declared properties. Protein is a natural product and is made mainly from milk (whey proteins and caseins). During the production process, milk is dehydrated, filtered, goes through a stage of purification from impurities, and the finished powder is packaged in cans or bags.

Shelf life of sealed protein

From the moment of production, the protein is stored mainly for about 2 years. By law, the manufacturer is required to indicate the date of manufacture and expiration date on the label. It is important to know that storage conditions largely influence the timing. If you adhere to the conditions stated by the manufacturer of the sports supplement, the product will not lose its effectiveness and safety for a long time. The general recommendation for storing dry protein powder is that it should be kept in a dark, dry place at room temperature. Based on experience, properly stored protein is safe to consume for approximately 6 months after the expiration date.

Protein shelf life after opening

Once a can or packet of protein is opened, shelf life is reduced to approximately 1 month. During this period, it is advisable to completely use the protein powder for its intended purpose. After this period, the effectiveness of the protein mixture decreases, as chemical reactions begin to occur in it, as a result of which the protein reacts with flavorings or sweeteners, which leads to the gradual breakdown of the essential amino acid lysine (plays an important role in building muscle mass).

Shelf life of diluted protein

It is recommended to consume the newly obtained protein shake immediately after dilution. This product is classified as perishable. Since protein powder is a natural dairy product, when interacting with liquid and the surrounding air, there is a possibility of harmful microorganisms multiplying in it. The maximum storage time for such cocktails is several hours.

When should you not take expired sports nutrition?

• If you find mold in a bag of protein, you should not take this sports nutrition and should throw it away. The appearance of mold indicates that moisture has entered the container, which subsequently leads to the appearance of mold.
• Significant change in color or odor
• Sports nutrition with flavoring additives should not be taken if it begins to change the taste - this indicates the beginning of chemical reactions associated with flavors or sweeteners.

Please remember that by taking sports nutrition products that have expired, you assume full responsibility for any side effects that may occur after using such products. We do not recommend experimenting with your health and saving money when purchasing or taking such sports nutrition. In our store you will always find fresh, high-quality protein, the effectiveness and safety of which has been proven by numerous tests and certificates. Enjoy the shopping!

What is the difference between creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride?

Many manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the properties of creatine by introducing various improvements. There have been many attempts, but monohydrate remains the constant leader. Not long ago, a new form of creatine was released for sale - hydrochloride. In fact, the technology has long been known and borrowed from medicine. The essence of the technology is that when hydrochloride molecules are added to the main substance, its solubility in water and, as a result, bioavailability improves.

The shelf life of creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride is the same, as are their properties. The only difference is that the hydrochloride starts working a little faster. But this property was enough to take second place among sports nutrition products based on nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid.

How to determine if a supplement in powder or capsules is spoiled

A sports nutrition product may be spoiled if storage conditions are violated or if the expiration date has expired.

Conditions under which a creatine supplement can be considered spoiled:

• the product changed its color and became more transparent;
• the initial consistency of the powder has changed - there are lumps, etc.;
• mold and unpleasant odor appeared;
• The gelatin capsules became sticky and a characteristic rotting smell appeared.

If you notice any of the listed signs, it is better not to consume the product, but simply discard it.

To prolong the freshness of the product, always scoop the product into a clean, dry spoon or measuring cup. Do not allow moisture to get inside the packaging of capsules or powder.

Does creatine even have an expiration date?

In order to be able to sell beauty and health products, you must obtain a certificate of conformity. According to the established rules, its validity period is not established. The certificate is valid for sales during the shelf life of the product that is subject to this certification. Consequently, the manufacturer will not be able to sell goods without a specified shelf life.

Creatine, in fact, is an acid that changes its properties after a certain period. Sports nutrition is mainly produced in powder or solid form and can be stored for a long time. The packaging indicates the storage time, which is counted from the date of manufacture.

After opening the creatine, the expiration date is still counted from the production date. The duration of storage depends on the additional components in the sports nutrition composition.

Storage conditions

How and for how long creatine powder and capsules can be stored is indicated by the manufacturer. If the product is in capsules, it does not require special storage conditions. It is enough to keep it at a temperature of up to +25°C.

The dietary supplement in powder is more demanding in terms of storage conditions. Air humidity is very important for her. It should be remembered that the shelf life of creatine after opening for a powdered product in a damp place is significantly reduced. Therefore, it must be sent to a dark, dry place. And after each use, close the lid tightly.

Can creatine be stored in the refrigerator? Considering that there is a high level of humidity , you should not keep a jar of dry powder there. Also, you should not leave it in the bathroom, kitchen, or other places where it will quickly become damp.

Even accidental liquid should not be allowed to enter the container with the drug. Then even thorough drying of the dietary supplement will not return it to its original quality.

Shelf life of creatine monohydrate

This type of sports nutrition is the most popular and is produced by most specialized companies. Available in capsules or powder, which is diluted in water before use.

The production of sports nutrition in Russia is poorly developed, so the market is confidently occupied by European and American companies. The most popular creatine supplements and their expiration dates:

1. One of the leaders in sports nutrition "Muskultech". The additive in powder form is packaged in jars of various sizes. MyscleTech can be stored for no more than 3 years.
2. The shelf life of creatine powder from Universal Nutrition is also 3 years.
3. Another popular supplement is Pure Creatine. Its shelf life is 3 years.
4. Creatine in Kre-Alkalyn EFX capsules has a shelf life of 5-6 years, depending on the name of the product.
5. Weider sports nutrition powder can be stored for 2 years.

The same formulas are used in the production of supplements, so the shelf life of creatine-based sports nutrition is on average 3 years.

How long does diluted creatine last?

Before use, creatine powder is diluted in water or juice. Usually the mixture is prepared immediately before use, since carboxylic acid, entering a liquid medium, enters into a chemical reaction and begins to change properties.

The reaction proceeds slowly, so the so-called shelf life of diluted creatine is no more than 3 hours at t +2…+8 °C.

The optimal liquid for diluting the additive is water. It does not destroy the structure and properties of creatine, does not cause allergies in humans and is always available. Creatine can always be diluted immediately before use.

How long can you keep it?

Subject to the correct storage conditions and a tightly closed lid, an uncorked container of powder can be stored throughout its shelf life, and such powder is quite suitable for consumption .

diluted in liquid (water, juice, other drink) should be drunk immediately, since creatine monohydrate has already entered into a chemical reaction with the liquid and may deteriorate if delayed.

What happens to creatine during long-term storage? One way or another, it is not possible to completely avoid contact with air, so during long-term storage the creatine supplement begins to clump , and the amount of active ingredient (creatine) in the mixture decreases.

Rules for storing creatine powder

Creatine-based sports nutrition does not require any special conditions. If there are small children in the house, the packaging should be placed out of their reach. There is no need to observe the temperature regime; creatine is stored at normal room temperature.

The only thing that matters is humidity. The opened jar should be stored in a dry place; a shelf located on the wall is considered a good place. The container should be tightly closed and shaken periodically before use to prevent crystallization of the powder.

If the powder begins to coke, it should be kneaded with your fingers. Once opened, the shelf life of creatine monohydrate does not decrease. It depends on the date of manufacture. In general, storage conditions are specified in detail on each package. Compliance with them guarantees long-term preservation of the product.

Why buy a product that has passed its expiration date?

Often athletes buy gainers that have expired in order to save money.
Some stores, in order not to lose profit, offer obviously expired products, but at a discount. It is believed that this option is the only option for people with a limited budget. If the manufacturer of the gainer is a well-known company, and the product itself is made from high-quality ingredients, then expiration of the expiration date is not dangerous - such a product can be drunk for some time. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that you will not run into a fake. In such a situation, you can get seriously upset, no matter how much you drink.

Is expired creatine dangerous?

There are cases when sports nutrition does not have time to be consumed before the expiration date. Supplements are expensive and it’s a shame to throw them away.

On all packaging, the manufacturer indicates the expiration date of creatine, after which the product is unsafe to use. In most cases, companies are insured. It is believed that the supplement is not only safe to use, but is also effective for six months after the expiration date. True, there is one thing: the powder in the jar must remain unchanged in consistency and color.

If creatine is spoiled (the annotation describes in detail what is meant by this concept) or the expiration date expired more than 6 months ago, it is not recommended to take such a supplement. Consuming such a product may cause stomach upset or even food poisoning.

Does the supplement have a shelf life?

Undoubtedly, like any other chemical compound intended for consumption, creatine also has a certain shelf life during which it remains suitable for use for its main purpose.

What exactly does this period of time guarantee?

Reference. In accordance with clause 4 of Article 5 of the Federal Law of the Russian Federation “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, the expiration date means the period of time after which a particular product becomes unsuitable for further use.

Thus, within the expiration date, the manufacturer guarantees customers the safety of all performance indicators and consumer properties of the purchased product. In this case, an important condition that the consumer must comply with is the correct storage of the purchased product.

Is the manufacturer obligated to install it?

In paragraph 4 of Art. 5 of the above-mentioned Law of the Russian Federation states that for certain types of goods the manufacturer is obliged to set expiration dates. These include:

• Food;
• medicines;
• perfumes and cosmetics, etc.

Thus, a complete list of such products is reflected in the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated June 16, 1997 No. 720. This also includes dietary supplements (biologically active additives), which include creatine.

Thus, the manufacturer is obliged to set an expiration date for creatine. The sale of this food additive without compliance with this requirement is prohibited by law (clause 5 of article 5).

In general, it can be noted that in the current legislative system of the Russian Federation there is no separate GOST regulating the process of creatine production. This issue is regulated within the framework of the general GOST 56202-2014 “Specialized food products...”, which applies to all biological active additives.

From what time does the countdown start?

In accordance with the provisions set out in Article 473 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the shelf life of the product begins to be calculated from the date of its manufacture, that is, from the moment when the production process was completely completed and packaging was carried out.