Creatine before the session? Early signs say maybe.
A small pilot trial suggests that taking creatine just before a resistance-training session may support slightly greater same-day strength than taking it during or after, though this is early, exploratory evidence rather than a firm recommendation.
Compiled by FitTools from the study cited below
The citation, figures and study details on this page are taken mechanically from the source record. No human editor has reviewed it.
Published 23 July 2026
- Study design
- Pilot RCT (crossover)
- Sample
- n=11
- Evidence
- preliminary
- Published
- 23 July 2026
Key takeaway
What it shows: A pilot crossover trial in just 11 active men, measuring single-session strength; the authors call it exploratory and say it needs confirming in larger, placebo-controlled studies.
Study details
- Design
- Pilot RCT (crossover)
- Sample
- n=11
- Population
- physically active men
- Journal
- Nutrients
- Published
- 23 July 2026
What they did
Eleven physically active men took creatine immediately before, during or after a resistance session in a randomised crossover design, with same-day strength measured under each condition.
What they found
Taking it just before training supported slightly greater same-day strength than taking it during or after — an early, exploratory signal, which is exactly what the authors call it.
Where it fits
Total daily creatine, not timing, remains the well-evidenced lever. Nothing here changes the standard advice; it is a thread for bigger trials to pull on.
The source
Acute Creatine Ingestion Before Resistance Training Enhances Strength Performance More than Ingestion During or After Training: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Trial. Nutrients 2026
DOI: 10.3390/nu18111789
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