Creatine vs whey: When to use them

It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to using supplements to support your training goals. A debate that many have had in the fitness world is the benefits of creatine vs whey. Both are science-backed supplements that can help you to increase muscle mass, but each has its own unique benefits and uses.

So which supplement is better for you? We asked Gareth Nicholas, Maximuscle’s performance nutritionist, to break down how whey protein and creatine work, the advantages of using one over the other, as well as the differences between the two, so you can make an informed decision about which one will be most effective for your fitness goals.  

Creatine vs whey: How do they work?

Creatine and whey offer similar benefits when it comes to increasing muscle mass but the way they work within the body differs significantly. Creatine is a non-protein amino acid compound, mostly found in red meat and seafood. 

“Ninety five percent of creatine found in the body resides in skeletal muscle and the remainder is found in the brain and testes,” says Nicholas. There are a few benefits of creatine. It is particularly useful during maximum bursts of energy, like sprinting, so it’s most beneficial for people who are looking to improve their high-intensity performance and promote muscle growth.

Whey is a form of protein, which is an essential nutrient that everyone needs as it is responsible for numerous functions, like supporting the building of tissue, cells and muscle. According to Nicholas, “Whey protein is a source of protein derived from the cheese-making process.”

The journal Nutrients found whey to be one of the most effective sources of protein when it comes to supplements and the effects of an increased protein intake help your muscles repair faster after a workout, which in turn, benefits muscle growth. Further research in Nutrients revealed that protein intake can “promote additional gains in lean body mass beyond those observed with resistance exercise alone".

Whey and creatine are popular supplements for people who exercise, particularly those who lift weights and are interested in increasing their muscle mass, as both supplements have benefits when it comes to increasing muscle mass.

Find out more about how to use creatine to meet your fitness goals, as well as the difference between creatine vs pre-workout.

Creatine vs whey: Differences

Although creatine and whey have similarities, their purposes and effects are different. 

“Creatine is still seen [as a supplement] for the exercising population,” says Nicholas. “Whey doesn’t have to be solely for the exercising population and is becoming more of a household ingredient. Everyone could use creatine but not everyone needs to, whereas everyone needs protein,” he adds.

Creatine is only something you would supplement with if you’re looking to improve your high-intensity performance while training to promote muscle mass. On the other hand, protein is an essential nutrient, so whey could be used by anyone at any time, even if you don’t exercise and are simply looking to increase your protein intake within your diet. On top of this, protein is a key driver in muscle building, so something like whey is more foundational when it comes to supplementing your diet. Creatine is more of a “catalyst” for muscle growth according to Nicholas.

“Creatine would be useful when, for example, you’ve been training hard but hit a plateau or perhaps you struggle with exercise recovery or injury,” says Nicholas.

Whereas whey can be taken more sporadically to boost protein intake, such as for breakfast as part of a protein pancake recipe, creatine requires more thought and planning. Nicholas recommends consuming 0.3g of creatine per kg of body weight, which is roughly 5g a day. “This should be done in a cycle; 5g a day for 6-12 weeks, every day,” he says, adding that you can mix it with any cold drink and the best time of day to take it is in the morning.

Creatine vs whey: Which is better?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as to which supplement will be most effective for you. In fact, Nicholas stresses that, “Creatine and whey should not be compared as they provide different results.”

In fact, the two supplements could even be used alongside each other for different benefits, especially if you exercise regularly. But while whey could easily be incorporated as a regular, healthy part of any person’s diet, creatine should only be used as a supplement that supports exercise performance. “Creatine supplementation could help many people, but would be a much smaller portion of the population [compared with whey],” Nicholas says.

If you do think creatine could be useful for your goals and lifestyle, it’s reassuring that it is the most widely researched and proven sports nutritional supplement, with no worrying side effects in healthy individuals. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that, “Creatine monohydrate remains one of the few nutritional supplements for which research has consistently shown has ergogenic benefits.”

Everyone’s nutritional needs are personal and unique but there’s no doubt that creatine and whey can have benefits when effectively incorporated into a healthy and balanced diet.

Looking for a whey powder to support your fitness goals? Check out our picks of the best protein powder for weight loss, and the best protein powder for women.