Thorne Creatine vs Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine
Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick
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The short answer
Both deliver what matters: 5 g of creatine monohydrate per serving, unflavored, with a single ingredient. Thorne's advantage is NSF Certified for Sport, which matters if you're a tested athlete or want independent screening for banned substances. Optimum Nutrition's micronized creatine is a long-running best-seller that mixes easily. If you don't compete, either works well.
Choose Thorne Creatine if…
- You compete in a drug-tested sport
- You want NSF Certified for Sport assurance
- You already use and trust Thorne products
Choose Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate if…
- You want a micronized powder that mixes easily
- You don't need a sport certification
- You want a widely available best-seller
Side by side
| Thorne Creatine | Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate | |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine per serving | 5 g | 5 g |
| Form | Creatine monohydrate | Micronized creatine monohydrate |
| Ingredients | Single ingredient | Single ingredient |
| Flavor | Unflavored | Unflavored |
| Sport certification | NSF Certified for Sport | Check the current label |
| Best for | Tested athletes | Everyday lifters |
Where to buy
Frequently asked questions
Does NSF Certified for Sport matter for creatine?
It matters most for athletes in drug-tested sports, because the certification includes screening for banned substances. For everyone else, it's extra assurance that the product contains what the label says. The creatine itself works the same either way.
Is creatine safe to take every day?
For healthy adults, daily creatine at 3–5 g has a strong safety record in research. It can raise creatinine on blood tests, so let your doctor know you take it. If you have kidney disease or take regular medication, talk to your doctor first.
Can you mix creatine with coffee?
Yes. Unflavored creatine dissolves well in warm drinks like coffee. Some older research suggested caffeine might blunt creatine's effects, but more recent findings are mixed, and for most people mixing them is fine.
Sources
- Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements — U.S. Food & Drug Administration