Does creatine contain dairy or gluten?

No. Based on the ingredient list provided, there is no milk, whey, casein, wheat, or barley. It is free from the most common allergens.

Is creatine good for weight loss?

Yes. Creatine has zero calories and zero sugar. It helps preserve muscle mass during a caloric deficit, which is essential for healthy weight loss.

Where can I buy creatine?

Creatine is widely available at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is creatine safe for kids?

Creatine is generally safe, but it is not recommended for children or adolescents unless prescribed by a doctor. It is a potent supplement that alters cellular energy.

Is creatine Vegan?

Yes, creatine is vegan. After analyzing the ingredient profile of standard creatine supplements, we found no animal-derived ingredients, dairy, or hidden gluten sources. It is a synthetic compound derived from amino acids that is perfectly safe for a plant-based diet.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is strictly vegan, we have to look beyond the main active ingredient and inspect the fillers, flavorings, and flow agents. Here is the analysis of the specific ingredients found in the creatine profile provided:

The primary ingredient is Creatine Monohydrate. This is the gold standard for muscle energy. While creatine is naturally found in red meat and fish, the supplement form is synthesized in a laboratory using precursor amino acids (glycine, arginine, and methionine). No animal products are used in this chemical synthesis, making it vegan.

For the flavoring and texture system, we see Citric Acid, Malic Acid, and Silicon Dioxide. These are all mineral or plant-synthesized compounds used for tartness and to prevent clumping. Salt is mineral-based and safe. The sweeteners Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium are artificial sweeteners and contain no animal products.

The only potential point of confusion for strict vegans is Natural Flavors. However, in the context of a fruit-punch or sour-apple flavored creatine, these flavors are almost exclusively derived from plant sources or synthesized to mimic fruit. There are no flags for dairy, gelatin, or honey in this profile.

Finally, the color comes from Spirulina Extract. Spirulina is a blue-green algae, making it a fully vegan coloring agent compared to cochineal (insect-derived) red dyes.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, creatine is unique because it is not a food source but a performance enhancer. It provides zero calories, zero sugar, and zero fat. This makes it an excellent addition to a vegan diet, which can sometimes be higher in carbohydrates. Because it has no caloric value, it does not disrupt fasting or weight management goals.

It is important to note that creatine causes water retention within muscle cells. While this might show a temporary increase on the scale, it is not fat gain. For vegans, who naturally have lower muscle creatine stores than meat-eaters, supplementing with this can lead to significant improvements in strength and recovery without adding any dietary fat or cholesterol.