Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Creatine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
19 of 23 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Creatine and Theacrine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
5g daily
Any time, Post-workout may have slight advantage
Monohydrate powder
100-200mg daily
Morning or early afternoon, 30-60 minutes before focus work, Pre-workout
TeaCrine (branded theacrine)
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
First week
2-4 weeks
30-60 minutes, lasts 4-6 hours
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Females Taking Oral Creatine Monohydrate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2020) · Meta analysis · n=951
Six hundred and fifty-six studies were identified where creatine supplementation was the primary intervention; fifty-eight were female only studies (9%).
International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017) · Systematic review
Increases strength by 5-15%
Effects of Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training on Muscle Strength Gains in Adults <50 Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=20
In comparison with a placebo, creatine supplementation combined with resistance training significantly increased upper-body (WMD = 4.43 kg, p < 0.001) and lower-body strength (WMD = 11.35 kg, p < 0.001).
A caffeine and theacrine combination improves cognitive performance in tactical personnel under physically fatiguing conditions
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2025) · Rct · n=20
In the Object Hit & Avoid task, CAF and CTC significantly improved task accuracy (p < 0.01) while reducing omission (p < 0.01) and commission errors (p < 0.01) compared to PLA.
Theacrine as a novel ergogenic aid: impact on canoe sprint performance
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2025) · Rct · n=20
Caffeine significantly improved the 500-meter time trial (-1.872 s vs.
Uncovering the effects and mechanisms of tea and its components on depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders: A comprehensive review
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) (2024) · Systematic review
The underlying molecular mechanisms involve the regulation of neurotransmitters, including monoamines, GABA, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Based on meta-analyses showing 5-15% strength increases. Upper-body improvements 4.43kg, lower-body 11.35kg. Effects plateau at therapeutic doses.
Effects are modest and inconsistent across studies. Several RCTs showed no significant cognitive improvements. Benefits appear primarily in subjective energy/focus rather than objective cognitive tasks. Studies show mixed results with some finding no statistical significance.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Creatine has a higher evidence score (9.5/10 vs 5.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For athletic performance, Creatine has a higher relevance score (90 vs 60).
No known interactions between Creatine and Theacrine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.