Does creatine have an expiration date, what is it for different forms? Labeling and storage of the additive

Each sports supplement has its own expiration date. And if some athletes immediately get rid of the expired product, then the overwhelming number of athletes continue to use such complexes without any negative consequences. You can even buy supplements that have expired at a specialty store.

They are sold at a significant discount. This is very beneficial for beginner athletes who do not yet have a large budget and can purchase the entire set of necessary complexes for a minimal price. All additives have their own properties, so the feasibility of such an approach should be considered individually for each product.

Creatine is a complex taken by both beginners and experienced athletes. However, if you decide to purchase a supplement that has expired, you should first investigate whether it is safe.

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.

Marking

Important! To begin with, it is worth noting that clause 4.7 of clause 4 of GOST 56202-2014 states that dietary supplements, including creatine, must be packaged and labeled in accordance with the rules prescribed in the Technical Regulations CU 022/2011 and 005/2011.

Thus, the following terms should be indicated on the packaging of creatine (clause 4.1, article 4 of TR CU 022/2011):

1. Date of manufacture - here is the date, month and year in which the dietary supplement was produced. In this case, a designation consisting of the following words is used: “Date of manufacture.” After this phrase, a specific period may be immediately indicated or a reference may be made to the place of packaging where such information can be viewed.
2. Best before date – here the manufacturer offers the following options to choose from:
   you can write “expiration date” and indicate the month and year of creatine use;
3. use of the wording “best before” indicating the full date (day, month, year).

Information about the expiration date and manufacture of creatine must be indicated on the following types of packaging:

• transport;
• consumer, including the label affixed to it (if any).

In addition, the manufacturer must also indicate the basic rules for storing creatine. This is written in clause 6, clause 4.1, article 4 of TR CU 022/2011.

How can I find out the dates if the dietary supplement was purchased abroad?

Reference. In most cases, the creatine purchased by many athletes is of foreign origin, that is, imported from abroad. In this regard, it is not always clear where exactly the expiration date of a given dietary supplement is written and what it looks like.

So, you can find this information on the back or side of the can. Typically, it is denoted as follows:

• “EXP **/**” – this wording indicates the month and year before which creatine can be consumed.
• “MFD **/**” – the month and year of manufacture are written here.

In addition, if there is no information on the can indicating the expiration date of creatine (in many countries the state does not oblige manufacturers to write this information on the packaging), then you should find the batch code (encrypted in the barcode) and determine the production date by him.

How long can monohydrate and its compounds be stored?

On average, the shelf life of creatine varies from 2 to 3 years. At the same time, the duration of the period during which this additive can be used for its main purpose is directly influenced by the following factors:

1. Composition - can be in the form of a monohydrate, combined with malic acid, buffered or micronized, etc. It is worth noting that if there are additional substances in the composition, the shelf life will also be determined based on the time of their beneficial action.
2. Release form - most often available in powder or capsule form. The latter option has a longer shelf life, since in this case the influence of the external environment on the active substance is minimized.
3. Storage conditions - if the buyer stores creatine in accordance with the rules indicated on the packaging, the supplement will remain usable throughout the entire expiration date.

Table of time of use of supplements of popular brands

In order to understand what expiration dates can be set for creatine, you can consider several types of it from different manufacturers.

Expired product

During use, the powder will inevitably come into contact with air. Long-term storage of creatine will lead to a change in its structure and a decrease in the activity of the active substance.

The longer creatine powder is stored after opening, the more useless it becomes.

The expired additive is not toxic and does not pose any particular health hazard. But there will be no benefit from it.

In cases where a dietary supplement has expired too long ago, its use should be avoided. There is a high probability of developing dangerous bacterial microflora in an organic product, which has a high degree of pathogenicity. Various intestinal pathogens are only a small part of what may be in a long-expired composition.

All dietary supplements should be purchased from reputable suppliers. And store - in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturers, for the specified time.

When opening a container of powder that has been stored for too long, you need to carefully inspect it. First of all, pay attention to the smell, color and structure of the product , which should not deviate from the norm. A humid environment promotes the development of mold. Therefore, you should not use supplements that have been stored for a long time in damp places. This is dangerous, first of all, if the expiration date of creatine has long expired or its appearance has changed.

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.

Storage rules at home

It is worth noting that the duration of the period of use of creatine, during which it will not lose its beneficial properties, largely depends on compliance with the rules for its storage. In general, these conditions are the same for all types of such dietary supplements.

Where to put it until it is opened?

After purchasing creatine, the consumer should follow the following basic rules for storing it:

1. it should be placed in a dark place where direct rays of the sun will not penetrate (a closet is ideal);
2. the air in the room where creatine is stored should be dry (the main enemy of this dietary supplement is high humidity);
3. compliance with the temperature regime (not higher than 20-25 degrees).

How long is the powder form good for after opening?

As a rule, the packaging of creatine does not indicate how long it can be stored after use. In this regard, it can be assumed that this period corresponds to the general shelf life of the supplement.

Attention! However, in order for the substance to remain suitable for use for a set period of time, it is necessary to tightly screw the jar of creatine so that moisture does not get in (this is especially true for powder).

The finished mixture should be consumed immediately after preparation.

How does creatine work?

Creatine supplements work by increasing muscle stores of phosphocreatine, the storage form of creatine (4).

When your main source of energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is depleted, your body uses phosphocreatine stores to make more ATP. It helps athletes train longer, boosts anabolic hormones, and aids cell signaling, among other beneficial effects (5).

There are many types of creatine available, such as:

• creatine monohydrate
• creatine ethyl ester
• creatine hydrochloride (HCL)
• creatine gluconate
• buffer creatine
• liquid creatine

However, the most common and well-studied form is creatine monohydrate.

Summary:

Creatine helps improve physical performance, promotes muscle growth, and has a number of other beneficial properties. It works by increasing your body's phosphocreatine stores, which help make ATP your body's primary source of energy.

Can I drink if the drinking period is about to expire or has already expired?

As a rule, the instructions make a note that this dietary supplement should not be consumed after the expiration date. At the same time, according to reviews from some athletes, it is quite suitable for use for another 6-8 months after the period of use specified in the instructions has expired. However, it's not worth the risk.

The following signs may indicate that the additive has deteriorated:

• formation of lumps (relevant for powder);
• the appearance of traces of mold;
• color change.

Thus, creatine can be stored for 2-3 years , while maintaining its basic consumer properties. The main thing is to prevent moisture from getting into the jar, and also protect it from direct sunlight.

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Main conclusions

Creatine supplements are characterized by a natural composition, so athletes are concerned about the freshness of the product. In practice, the product in powder or capsules can be used for up to 3 years if proper storage conditions are observed. Basic rules when using any form of supplementation:

• prevent light and moisture from coming into contact with the product;
• tightly close the original packaging after each use (do not store the product in another container);
• do not expose the additive to even short-term exposure to high temperatures;
• Powder versions are stored in fewer capsules, so you should regularly check the external characteristics of the product.

After dilution with water, creatine should be drunk as quickly as possible, since the product may deteriorate. In this form, it will not be stored even for a short time, so you need to mix the cocktail with the powder immediately before use.

Sources

• https://FB.ru/article/461308/kak-hranit-kreatin-srok-godnosti-posle-vskryitiya
• https://foodismedicine.ru/kreatin-srok-godnosti/
• https://PravaPot.ru/tovar/srok-godnosti/kreatina.html
• https://pravovoy-standart.ru/zzp/torgovlya-i-tovary/sroki-godnosti-i-hraneniya/pishhevoj-produktsii/kreatina.html
• https://builderbody.ru/mozhno-li-pit-prosrochennyj-kreatin/
• https://kakxranit.ru/medicina/srok-godnosti-kreatina.html
• https://gercules.fit/dobavki-i-vitaminy/srok-godnosti-kreatina.html