Creatine is said to have no taste or smell. That being said, some users report a sour smell, but nothing wrong. If the new creatine smells bad, return it to the manufacturer for a replacement or refund. You also need to be careful where you store creatine, as it can be affected by heat, humidity, and sunlight. A sealed container of creatine can last a long time, even a year or two after the expiration date. However, if the container has been closed for more than 36 months you must replace it.
Creatine should be odorless
First, let’s get this straight, creatine should be odorless.
That being said, I have seen some users report that they have a sour smell.
There are also those who say it has a slight chalky smell.
I think it all comes down to us having different feelings towards each other, where some can smell better than others.
However, when you start buying creatine, and even if you have a tube for a long time, it should not give off any bad smell.
Why Does My Creatine Smell Like Fish?
If your creatine supplement emits a fishy smell, it is usually a sign that the product has gone bad or has gone bad. In general, creatine monohydrate is a stable product that should not emit a strong odor, especially not reminiscent of one fish. In such cases, it is best to discard the supplement and avoid consuming it.
I did an internet search for creatine supplements and was surprised at what I found.
Instead, I came across various online fitness forums and Q&A sites where tons of people were complaining about the smell of creatine.
This is when you know right away that there is a problem with your container.
In fact, one user had just purchased a new bathtub and reported that as soon as it was opened, it emitted a very strong fishy smell.
As I said, creatine should be odorless, and if you find that it has an odor, that shouldn’t be a bad thing.
Therefore, our fish friend has welcomed a container that has been damaged for any reason.
He said he bought creatine decanate, which is slightly different from the standard creatine monohydrate.
Creatine decanate is a micronized formulation.
This simply means that creatine is actually monohydrate, but the molecules have been cut or split.
This increases the level of creatine, which facilitates faster absorption and can reduce stomach upset.
And this is one of them many forms of creatine.
But the truth is that even some form of creatine should not smell fishy.
There was definitely something wrong with his container.
Even a small amount of water that comes into contact with creatine during production can have an effect.
However, if your creatine smells fishy you know you probably shouldn’t be eating it, like it is possible to make you sick.
Immediately return the creatine to the manufacturer and request a replacement or refund.
Does Creatine Make You Smell?
I have to admit that I often laugh at myself at some of the things I read online.
In fact, I found another creatine user who was convinced that creatine made him smell like onions.
Even he “tried” this for himself.
On the days he took creatine he said he smelled like an onion.
And this was even after showering and bathing.
However, as a test, he decided to go without creatine for a few days, and he said that his onion smell disappeared.
Now, I don’t want to go into details about this guy’s hygiene, diet, or even sweat glands, but this is pretty amazing.
Not only is creatine tasteless and odorless, it shouldn’t make you smell any different when you eat it.
Well, our onion friend has confirmed that creatine is the cause, but I would venture to think there is another explanation.
Therefore, I will state in detail that creatine does not make you smell.
Where Do You Store Your Creatine?
Okay, so you now know that if your new creature is giving off a terrible roar that you need to return.
However, what if you’ve had a tube of creatine for a few weeks and suddenly it starts to smell bad?
This may have something to do with where you are storing your creatine.
Creatine should be stored in a cool and dry place.
As with most powders you probably don’t want to store it anywhere the temperature gets above 70F.
Well, I understand that because of the heat it’s not always possible, but obviously do your best.
However, if you keep your container out in the open, especially near heat or direct sunlight, there is a high chance that it will spoil.
In addition, humidity also has an effect.
Therefore, you do not want your container to be near the stove or microwave.
You don’t want it on a shelf near a window to get some sunlight.
And it’s not good to keep them near the heater.
You probably You don’t have to keep an ant type in your car, especially in hot weather.
In fact, storing creatine in a warm place or in direct sunlight will not have any side effects.
But, why take the chance?
How Long Have You Been on Your Creatine?
Another thing you need to know is the expiration date of your creatine.
Most extensions will have an expiration date.
This is usually within 3 years from the production of the product.
However, to be honest, a sealed container of creatine stored in a cool, dry place can last for a year or two.
That being said, if you have had an open container for more than 36 months, I would suggest throwing it away and replacing it.
I know many of us buy creatine and use it regularly.
So, we don’t get anywhere near an actual expiration date.
But, this is something you should know.
Should I Use Creatine Capsules?
I know some users are frustrated because their creatine smells.
Therefore, they may be tempted to take creatine capsules.
Of course, if you buy good creatine there should be no difference between pills and powder.
I’ve heard people say that the capsules get into the bloodstream faster, but I don’t really care about that.
Creatine supplementation is all about flooding the muscles with creatine and maintaining it.
Therefore, when you achieve this through loading or regular use, it makes little difference how “fast” creatine is absorbed.
I will say that creatine powder is cheaper than capsules, so this is something to consider if you are on a tight budget.
Additionally, creatine capsules will also have an expiration date, so they can “go bad” as well.
Honestly, it just comes down to personal preference.
Final Thoughts
So, as you can see, if your creatine smells bad then it means something is wrong.
Creatine should be odorless, but if there is a slight odor, it should not smell.
If this is a new container, return it to the manufacturer.
You should also make sure to store your creatine in a cool and dry place.
Also, don’t forget that creatine has an expiration date, so be careful how long you’ve had it.
Therefore, it is the “smell” that is mentioned, but here is another common complaint, which is, Why does creatine make you hungry??
Hi, I’m Partha, owner and founder of My Bodyweight Exercises. I am a Level 3 Personal Trainer and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the Register of Exercise Professionals, United Kingdom. I have been a full time exerciser since 2000 and coaching clients since 2012. My goal is to help you achieve your body goals.
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