Creatine is one of the most studied and effective supplements for your body and your brain.
But the benefits change depending on the dosage.
Here's the benefits (and drawbacks) you'll experience at different dosages of creatine:
5 Grams Per Day: The Gold Standard
This is the dose that’s been studied for decades.
It boosts strength, lean muscle, and recovery by increasing cellular energy (ATP).
You’ll also see gradual improvements in working memory, mood stability, and mental clarity.
At 5 grams per day:
- Increases muscle mass & power output
- Improves recovery between workouts
- Enhances focus & resistance to mental fatigue
- Slightly improves mood & reduces depressive symptoms in some people
It’s the foundation. Think of it as your daily baseline.
If I woke up 20 pounds overweight and needed to lose it all by summer, this is EXACTLY what I'd do:
1. Stop eating at least 3-5 hours before bed. Set a hard stop. This prevents horrible food decisions and improves the quality of your sleep, which regulates hunger the next day.
2. Multiply your bodyweight by 12. That will be your daily calorie intake.
3. Multiply your bodyweight by .7, and that will be the daily grams of protein you need to eat to maintain/build muscle while burning fat.
4. To keep it easy, focus on hitting your calories and protein.
5. Fill your daily nutrition with these foods:
Greek yogurt
Water, coffee, and tea
Lean ground beef (extra-lean if you can)
Chicken breast and thighs
Turkey (ground or breast)
Fatty fish
Eggs and egg whites
Cottage cheese
Leafy greens
Potatoes
Shellfish
Beans and lentils
Berries
Apples, oranges, kiwi, and grapefruit for higher-fiber fruit
Green cruciferous vegetables
Other high‑volume veg (cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, asparagus, cucumbers)