Hey gym rats and fitness enthusiasts, have you heard about Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 creatine? It boasts five creatine types, promising to be the ultimate workout companion for boosting performance and muscle growth. But before you whip out your credit card, let’s dissect this supplement with a critical eye.
Disclaimer: Remember, this blog is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine. We also recommend choosing third-party tested products for peace of mind.
Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5: A Closer Look
Crazy Nutrition, a UK-based company, aims to simplify the confusing world of supplements. CRN-5 joins their pre-workout, mass gainer, and tri-protein powder lineup.
Before You Buy: Keep in mind that opened products cannot be returned. Consider comparing CRN-5 to a more affordable creatine monohydrate with electrolytes, especially if budget is a concern.
Is It Worth the Squeeze?
At $1.50 per serving, CRN-5 falls on the pricier side. While Crazy Nutrition justifies this with the multiple creatine forms, there are more budget-friendly creatine options, especially for beginners.
Who Wins with CRN-5?
- Bloat Busters: This formula might be a good fit if you experience bloating with regular creatine.
- Maximal Dosage Seekers: CRN-5 provides the maximum recommended daily creatine intake.
- Hydration Heroes: The added electrolytes help maintain hydration during intense workouts.
Who Might Want to Pass?
- Artificial Flavor Foes: This product contains artificial flavors and sweeteners.
- Budget-Conscious Gym Goers: The price tag can be a turn-off.
- Third-Party Testing Truthers: This product might not be third-party tested for all athletes.
Price Breakdown: Not So Friendly on Your Wallet
We rated CRN-5 a 1 out of 5 for price. The average creatine serving costs around $1, making CRN-5’s $1.50 a tough pill to swallow, especially considering it lacks other beneficial ingredients like HMB or amino acids.
Formula: A Blend of Promise and Question Marks
We gave the formula a 4 out of 5. Kate appreciated the electrolytes and the total 5-gram creatine dose. However, the presence of “juice powder blend” and “flavoring” raises eyebrows.
Let’s Talk Creatine Types: Why So Many?
Crazy Nutrition claims the multiple creatine forms prevent tolerance buildup and eliminate the need for loading phases. While the science behind this is shaky, let’s delve deeper into the creatine types:
- Electrolytes (Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium): These are crucial for hydration, and their inclusion is a plus for intense workouts. Aquamin Mg provides a bioavailable form of magnesium, further enhancing electrolyte support.
- Creatine Types: Here’s where things get interesting. Di-creatine and tri-creatine simply refer to the number of creatine molecules attached (e.g., tri-creatine malate has three creatine molecules).
Crazy Nutrition suggests these forms improve recovery, reduce soreness, and minimize bloating due to better absorption. However, research hasn’t definitively proven their superiority over creatine monohydrate.
- Creatine Monohydrate (3.75 grams): The king of creatine supplements, research consistently shows its effectiveness in boosting performance, aiding recovery, and increasing ATP production.
- Di-Creatine Malate (500 milligrams), Tri-Creatine Malate (500 milligrams): Studies haven’t found them to be more effective than creatine monohydrate. While the attached malic acid might enhance athletic performance in mice, human studies haven’t replicated these results.
- Tri-Creatine Pyruvate (250 milligrams): Some evidence suggests it might be better at raising blood creatine levels than monohydrate. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to more muscle strength or mass gains.
The good news? The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends 3-5 grams of creatine daily. Even if the fancy creatine forms in CRN-5 don’t do much extra, you still get over 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, ensuring you benefit from its muscle-building properties.
Taste and Solubility: A Refreshing (Almost) Fuss-Free Experience
We awarded CRN-5 a 4 out of 5 for taste based on Kate’s experience. She enjoyed the Lemon-Lime flavor, finding it “tangy but not overly sweet or sour.” However, there were minor solubility issues. While the drink wasn’t completely smooth, the tiny creatine grains weren’t noticeable while drinking. A quick shake before consumption might be all you need.
Side Effects: A Clean Bill of Health (For Now)
We gave CRN-5 a perfect 5 out of 5 for side effects. Kate didn’t experience any negative reactions. That said, if you’re new to creatine, the multiple types might cause some mild stomach discomfort.
Final Verdict: A Creatine Contender, But Not a Champion
While the diverse creatine forms might explain the high price tag, current research doesn’t necessarily support their added value. Additionally, the claim of eliminating creatine cycling isn’t a major perk since most people don’t need it anyway.
On the bright side, the electrolytes are a welcome addition, and the creatine monohydrate dose is sufficient to be effective. However, there are undoubtedly more budget-friendly creatine options out there that deliver similar, if not better, value for your money.
Here’s the Takeaway:
- CRN-5 might be worth considering if you experience bloating with regular creatine or specifically need the maximum recommended daily dose.
- The added electrolytes are a plus for intense workouts.
- The price tag and lack of third-party testing (for some athletes) are drawbacks.
For most gym goers, a high-quality creatine monohydrate with electrolytes will likely provide the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Before you reach for CRN-5, consider your budget and needs. If you’re a creatine veteran seeking a unique blend, it might be worth a try. But for most folks, a simpler and more affordable creatine option might be the smarter choice.
Remember, consistency is key! Whichever creatine you choose, make sure to use it consistently to experience the full range of benefits.
Happy lifting!
