Supplements · ~0 kcal per 3 to 5 g dose (site estimate)
Does creatine break a fast?
No. Plain creatine monohydrate adds no sugar, fat or protein, so the database marks it safe for all four fasting goals. Sugary blends differ.
The answer for each goal
Weight loss
SafeAutophagy
SafeGut rest
SafeBlood sugar
SafeCreatine is a compound the body makes for itself and stores mostly in muscle. A tub of plain creatine monohydrate holds that one ingredient. The database lists it at about 0 kcal a serving as the site's estimate, because no official energy value was found. The usual dose is 3 to 5 g a day.
Plain creatine in water is safe on all four of the site's own goals. For autophagy, the verdict is reasoning from what creatine lacks, as no human study has measured creatine and autophagy. You can take it in the fasting hours or with a meal. Small studies found the body kept more creatine when it came with a large carbohydrate drink, or with protein and carbohydrate.
Loading at 20 g a day for 5 to 7 days typically adds 1 to 3 kg, mostly water drawn into muscle. That gain is water, not fat. Studies in healthy people have not found kidney harm at the usual doses. People with kidney disease should talk to their care team first.
Watch out
Flavoured creatine and pre-workout blends can contain sugar, dextrose, maltodextrin or amino acids, which break a fast. Read the ingredients list.
Questions people ask
When should I take creatine when intermittent fasting?
Take it whenever you will remember it each day. Plain creatine in water keeps the fast. If you want the small gain in uptake seen with carbohydrate or protein, take it with your first meal.
Can I take creatine while intermittent fasting?
Yes. Plain creatine monohydrate in water keeps a fast for weight loss, blood sugar, gut rest and autophagy. Keep to the same daily dose of 3 to 5 g.
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