Hey gym rats and fitness enthusiasts! Are you looking to take your workouts to the next level? Have you stumbled upon Crazy Nutrition’s Ultimate CRN-5 and its promise of multi-creatine dominance? Well, fret no more – we’ve got you covered.
Before We Dive In: A Medical Disclaimer
This review is designed to inform and educate, not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Additionally, consider choosing products with third-party testing to ensure quality and safety.
Introducing Crazy Nutrition Ultimate CRN-5 Creatine
Hailing from the UK, Crazy Nutrition boasts a mission to “clean up this notoriously confusing [supplement] industry.” Their Ultimate CRN-5 creatine formula joins a lineup that includes pre-workouts, mass gainers, and a tri-protein blend. But does CRN-5 live up to the hype, or is it all creatine and no cream?
What to Consider Before You Buy
Keep in mind that opened products cannot be returned for a refund. If you’re budget-conscious, consider comparing CRN-5 to a more affordable creatine monohydrate with added electrolytes.
Is CRN-5 Worth the Investment?
At a hefty $1.50 per serving, CRN-5 sits on the pricier end of the creatine spectrum. While Crazy Nutrition justifies this with the inclusion of multiple creatine forms, there are more budget-friendly options for creatine newbies looking to build their supplement stack.
Who Should Consider CRN-5?
- Athletes concerned about bloating
- Individuals seeking the maximum recommended creatine dose
- Those who prioritize maintaining hydration during workouts
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Fitness enthusiasts who avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors
- Gym-goers on a tight budget
- Athletes restricted to third-party tested supplements only
Price Per Serving: A Punch to the Wallet
Our review team awarded CRN-5 a 1 out of 5 for price. At $1.50 per serving, it significantly outpaces the creatine market average of $1. Considering the lack of additional synergistic ingredients like HMB or amino acids, this price tag becomes even steeper.
Formulation: A Blend of Promise and Potential Issues
We gave CRN-5 a 4 out of 5 rating for its formula. Kate appreciated the added electrolytes and the 5-gram total creatine dose. However, the inclusion of “juice powder blend,” “flavoring,” and sucralose raised a slight eyebrow.
Here’s where things get interesting: the multiple creatine types. Crazy Nutrition claims these prevent tolerance buildup and eliminate the need for creatine loading phases. Let’s dissect this claim and explore the science behind CRN-5’s ingredients.
Electrolytes: Essential for Peak Performance
Sodium (1.25 grams), Calcium (300 milligrams), Potassium (128 milligrams): Sweating during intense workouts depletes electrolytes, so their inclusion is a welcome plus. Additionally, Aquamin Mg (56 milligrams) provides a bioavailable form of magnesium, further supporting electrolyte balance.
Creatine Types: Unveiling the Mystery Blend
Before diving into specifics, let’s clarify the “di-” and “tri-” prefixes in creatine names. These simply denote the number of creatine molecules attached. For example, tri-creatine malate means three creatine molecules are bound to a malic acid molecule.
Crazy Nutrition suggests these different creatine forms enhance recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and minimize bloating due to better absorption. However, research hasn’t definitively proven these claims.
Creatine Monohydrate (3.75 grams): The King of Creatine
The most researched and widely used creatine supplement, creatine monohydrate, reigns supreme according to studies. It’s been shown to improve athletic performance, accelerate recovery, and boost ATP production – the cellular energy currency.
Di-Creatine Malate (500 milligrams) & Tri-Creatine Malate (500 milligrams): The Jury’s Still Out
Research suggests creatine malate (regardless of form) isn’t superior to creatine monohydrate in terms of effectiveness. Additionally, while malic acid might enhance athletic performance in mice, these results haven’t translated well to humans.
Tri-Creatine Pyruvate (250 milligrams): A Glimmer of Hope?
There’s some evidence that tri-creatine pyruvate might be more effective than monohydrate at raising blood creatine levels. However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to greater muscle strength or lean mass gains.
The good news? The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends a daily creatine intake of 3 to 5 grams. Even if the di- and tri-creatine malate forms contribute minimally, CRN-5 still packs a punch with over 3 grams of creatine monohydrate. This ensures you won’t miss out on significant muscle-building benefits.
Taste and Solubility: A Mixed Bag
Kate awarded CRN-5 a 4 out of 5 for taste, enjoying the Lemon-Lime flavor. “A little tangy, but not overly sweet or sour,” she noted. However, there were minor solubility issues. “Doesn’t fully dissolve – you can see small grains, but you can’t really taste them while drinking,” Kate reported. A good shaker bottle is likely your best friend here.
Side Effects: A Clean Bill of Health
Thankfully, Kate didn’t experience any negative side effects commonly associated with creatine. It’s important to note that first-time creatine users might experience mild stomach discomfort due to the multiple creatine types.
Final Verdict: Does CRN-5 Measure Up?
While the multiple creatine forms likely contribute to CRN-5’s high price tag, current research suggests they might not offer significant advantages over creatine monohydrate. Additionally, the claim of eliminating creatine cycling isn’t a major selling point, as most people don’t necessarily need to cycle creatine anyway.
On the bright side, the inclusion of electrolytes is a plus, and the creatine monohydrate dosage is sufficient to be effective. However, there are undoubtedly more budget-friendly creatine options out there that can deliver similar, if not better, value for your money.
Here’s the bottom line:
- For value-conscious athletes: Consider a high-quality creatine monohydrate with electrolytes for a more cost-effective option.
- For those seeking a convenient, all-in-one solution: CRN-5 provides a decent creatine dose with added electrolytes, but be prepared to pay a premium.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and budget. By understanding the science behind the ingredients and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether CRN-5 is the right creatine supplement for you.
