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creatine dosage (loading/not loading)

m_m Posts: 2 Joined: 2001/07/12	2001/07/14, 07:36 PM I am 5'6", 135-40lbs. I have been using pure creatine monohydrate powder for 1 week now. I skipped the laoding phase because i heard it was not necessary. I take in 2.5 grams everyday after a workout. Should i have skipped the loading phase? If not, can I still load in week 2 instead? If i should not load, should i up the doasge to 5 grams a day, taking 2.5 in the morning when i wake up, and 2.5 after i workout?? Any help is great.
bicep Posts: 315 Joined: 2001/01/26	2001/07/14, 11:33 PM I did the loading phase and it worked for me nice results in as little as 2 weeks......... but to be honest I don`t know if takin` without the phase works as well.... I`d say it does since your body is not used to extra creatine but then again the absorption is not that great so the 2.5 dosage might go to waste.... that`s my opinion .....
jbennett Posts: 1,558 Joined: 2001/02/28	2001/07/14, 11:45 PM Bicep said it pretty well. I've read that the loading phase was unnecessary, too, but your results will suffer in the beginning if you don't. I am assuming your goal is mass (why else would you be taking creatine), so I would highly recommend doing a loading phase, then doing a maintanance dosage of 5-10 grams per day after that. 2.5 grams is not enough, even at 135lbs. Take at least 5 grams (more is better) immediately after you workout. During your loading phase, try making that 10 grams after you complete your workout, 5 grams when you wake up, and 5 grams before bed. BE SURE TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER - A GALLON+ EVERY DAY!!!! I don't think that is stressed enough to those taking creatine for the first time.
m_m Posts: 2 Joined: 2001/07/12	2001/07/15, 12:55 PM OK, so i should have done the loading phase. I have only used creatine for 1 week @ 2.5 grams a day. Should i load in week 2?
jbennett Posts: 1,558 Joined: 2001/02/28	2001/07/15, 05:54 PM Yes, go ahead and do your loading phase (5 days, 15-20 grams per day) this week. After that, 5-10 grams per day after you workout. You'll be fine. Just be sure to drink water!!!!!
skylar Posts: 156 Joined: 2001/01/29	2001/07/15, 08:26 PM Hey if you have questions about creatine go search for "Creatine Newsletter" on the web. Great site and will give all the FAQ's. No the loading phase is not necessary, there's a formula for maintenance doses, when etc.
Sweeny Posts: 120 Joined: 2001/07/26	2001/07/24, 04:06 PM I think you probably should of done the loading phase, but It wo' make much difference now. The reason for a loading phase is to fill your creatine storage, then you take creatine all the time to keep it at an optimum level. I would keep using the same amount or increase the dosage if results are not apparent after a few weeks. -sweeny
Steakley Posts: 1 Joined: 2002/04/28	2002/05/02, 05:48 AM The price of Creatine Monohydrate isn't that expensive these days. It cant hurt to do a six day loading phase. I just bought a 500g tub of the stuff ($50 Australian), and even though I'm going to be having 25g for six days, it will still last me 11.5 weeks or so...