Animal Creatine Chews

Creatine monohydrate· evidence: Strong

Creatine monohydrate is the most studied sports supplement there is, with hundreds of controlled trials in people over more than 30 years. It is also the form used in almost all of that research, which is why we treat it as the benchmark other creatine forms have to beat.

The effect builds up as your muscle creatine stores fill, which takes roughly three to four weeks at a steady daily dose, or about a week if you choose to load. You do not need to load or to cycle off.

Research into other uses, such as effects on the brain or on mood, is at an early stage and not established, so we make no claims about them.

Typical dose: 3–5 g a day, taken every day

Safety: Well tolerated by healthy adults at 3–5 g a day. Expect a small gain in body weight (water held in muscle) in the first weeks. Larger doses taken at once can upset the stomach. Creatine can raise creatinine on a blood test, so tell your doctor you take it. Speak to your GP first if you have a kidney condition.

Research we looked at:
Kreider RB et al. (2017). ISSN position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 14:18.
Antonio J et al. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 18:13.
EFSA NDA Panel (2011). Scientific opinion on creatine and physical performance. EFSA Journal 9(7):2303.
GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register: authorised claims for creatine.

AstraGin (astragalus and notoginseng extract)· evidence: Insufficient

AstraGin is a branded blend of two plant extracts that is added to many supplements with the claim that it improves absorption of other ingredients. The research behind it is limited and mostly funded by the company that sells it, with little independent work in people.

There is no authorised health claim for it, and creatine is already well absorbed on its own, so we would not pay extra for it.

Typical dose: 25–50 mg per serving in most products

Safety: Contains herbal extracts. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or take regular medication.

Well rated on Amazon UK. Buyers most often say they taste good, with one comparing them to sweets, and many find them an easy way to take creatine daily. The main complaint is texture: several describe them as chalky or dry.

Our own summary of the Amazon UK listing for this product (about 266 ratings, including reviews from other Amazon countries), read 9 October 2026. These are not SupplementHQ customer reviews, and we include the complaints as well as the praise.

Cost per 5g lets you compare different sizes and formats fairly.Worked out from our current prices.