There are no increased benefits from taking both creatine and protein at the same time instead of just one

Question

Creatine and whey protein are two of the most popular sports supplements, and you may wonder whether taking them both offers any additional benefits. This article investigates whether you should take creatine and whey protein together for optimal benefits. I also read other articles that claimed there is no reason one shouldn't take both together.

Answer 1

After some searching, I've found a government article that did a study on Creatine and Whey Protein combo benefits and they comes to the same conclusion that it doesn't provide any additional benefits. This claim is true. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18309444/

Eliot, K. A., Knehans, A. W., Bemben, D. A., Witten, M. S., Carter, J., & Bemben, M. G. (2008). The effects of creatine and whey protein supplementation on body composition in men aged 48 to 72 years during resistance training. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 12(3), 208–212. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02982622

Answer 2

In short, having looked into the studies the Healthline article cited I can say that to the great shame of science based body builders, this claim is true. While the findings of of both National Library of Medicine articles (The effects of supplementation with creatine and protein on muscle strength following a traditional resistance training program in middle-aged and older men, Effects of post-exercise whey protein vs. whey protein plus creatine consumption in females) were conclusive in supporting the claim, both were conducted over a rather short window, 14 weeks and 8 weeks respectively. Whilst I am comfortable stating that the claim is true, more research should be conducted to measure the effects of long term paired use. As should additional research be done with young men, the main consumer base for these products.

Diving yet deeper one can find many fitness articles that disprove this, stating that the two can be combined for great effect, such as this one by Nutraybay magazine. However when one looks at the studies cited as evidence to support their claims it is blatantly obvious that the use of creatine monohydrate and whey protein were measured separately and not in conjunction with one another. 

Answer 3

This claim is largely true. Technically, taking both creatine and protein simultaneously won't give you a unique benefit, but it's important to take both, especially if you are practicing sports or exercising in the gym. These benefits can also be naturally digested simply from food (meat, poultry, fish, etc.). Studies in sports nutrition journals and reviews by credible health sources like Healthline and the Cleveland Clinic consistently find that while combining the two is safe, it doesn’t enhance performance beyond the benefits each already provides. The most important factors for results are consistently taking both protein and creatine and proper training, not necessarily taking creatine and protein simultaneously.

Overall, it is good to take these. Simultaneously, they bring their individual benefits, but there is no additional benefit to taking them together. 

Little, Jonathan P et al. “Creatine, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, amino acids, and medium-chain triglycerides and endurance and performance.” International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism vol. 18,5 (2008): 493-508. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.5.493