Understanding Creatine Purity
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most widely researched and effective supplements available, shown to increase strength, power, and lean body mass. While the compound itself is well-understood, its purity can vary significantly depending on the manufacturing process and quality control standards. The primary concern with lower-quality creatine is the presence of impurities like dicyandiamide (DCD), dihydrotriazine (DHT), and heavy metals. For athletes, especially those in competitive sports, and for any consumer prioritizing safety, verified purity is a critical consideration. Myprotein addresses this by offering different creatine products to meet varying consumer needs and budget levels, most notably the distinction between their standard Impact Creatine and the premium Creapure® version.
Myprotein's Premium Creapure® Creatine
For those who prioritize maximum purity and quality assurance, Myprotein offers a Creapure® branded creatine. This product is derived from a patented manufacturing process in Germany, which is recognized globally as the gold standard for creatine.
Creapure® Purity and Verification
- 99.99% Purity: The German manufacturer, Alzchem, guarantees Creapure® contains a minimum of 99.99% pure creatine monohydrate, with minimal impurities.
- Rigorous Testing: The production process includes meticulous quality controls to eliminate unwanted by-products.
- Informed Choice Certified: Myprotein's Creapure® is third-party tested and certified by Informed Choice, an organization that regularly checks products for banned substances and contaminants, providing an extra layer of assurance for elite athletes and discerning consumers.
Myprotein's Standard Impact Creatine Monohydrate
Myprotein's standard creatine monohydrate is a more affordable alternative that still undergoes internal quality control. While Myprotein claims to use advanced testing methods like x-ray and near-infrared testing on their products and raw materials, specific third-party batch-testing certification (like Informed Choice) is not consistently advertised on the packaging for this specific product, unlike the premium Creapure®.
Internal Quality Assurance for Impact Creatine
- Advanced Filtration: Myprotein states it uses advanced filtration and testing technology to ensure product quality.
- Ingredient Traceability: The company claims to maintain complete traceability of raw materials from supplier to the final product.
- Budget-Friendly: This product is aimed at general consumers and is more accessible due to its lower price point.
Potential Concerns and Contaminants
The presence of heavy metals has been a general concern in the supplement industry, though Myprotein’s specific creatine products have not been singled out by recent independent reports. An older legal settlement regarding a Myprotein protein blend and lead was noted, but this does not necessarily reflect on the company's current creatine products. Reputable third-party certification programs like Informed Choice and Informed Sport inherently include rigorous testing for heavy metals and other contaminants as part of their approval process. Therefore, opting for the Creapure® variant is the safest way to guarantee minimal contaminants. Consumers should also be aware that some anecdotal reports mention varying mixability and taste issues with the standard creatine monohydrate, though this is not related to purity.
Comparison: Myprotein Creapure® vs. Impact Creatine
| Aspect | Creapure® | Impact Creatine Monohydrate |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.99% guaranteed | Varies; Myprotein internal standards |
| Manufacturing Origin | German-made by Alzchem | Origin of raw materials is less transparent |
| Third-Party Testing | Certified by Informed Choice | Subject to internal checks and some batch testing |
| Heavy Metal Assurance | Very high due to rigorous certification | Relies on Myprotein's internal process |
| Consumer Trust | Gold standard reputation | Generally positive, but less premium assurance |
| Cost | Higher price point due to premium sourcing | Budget-friendly option |
How to Choose the Right Product
Deciding between Myprotein's standard creatine and the Creapure® version depends on your personal priorities for assurance and budget. If you are a competitive athlete who undergoes drug testing, or if you simply want the highest guarantee of purity and safety, the Creapure® product is the superior choice. Its independent third-party certification is a robust indicator of quality. On the other hand, if you are a casual gym-goer or budget is your main concern, the standard creatine monohydrate is a viable and cost-effective option that still provides the core benefits of creatine. It is widely considered safe and effective by most consumers and supplement users. Ultimately, consistent daily intake is the most important factor for success with either product. For more on supplement quality standards, visit the official Informed Choice website: https://www.informed-choice.com/.
Conclusion
In summary, the purity of Myprotein creatine depends heavily on which product you purchase. The premium Creapure® version offers independently verified 99.99% purity, certified by Informed Choice for banned substances and contaminants, making it the safest and highest-quality option. The standard Impact Creatine monohydrate is a more affordable product that relies on Myprotein's internal quality assurance processes. While most creatine monohydrate is effective, the Creapure® brand provides unmatched peace of mind for those concerned with the highest level of purity and independent verification. Your final decision should weigh your budget against your desire for the most stringent quality control available.
