Beware of Fake Creatine in Malaysia: How to Spot and Avoid Counterfeit Supplements
In recent years, creatine has become one of the most popular fitness supplements in Malaysia, thanks to its proven benefits in boosting strength, endurance, and muscle recovery. However, with this rising demand, the online marketplace, especially platforms like Shopee and Lazada, has seen a surge in fake creatine products that pose a serious risk to consumers.
In this article, we’ll show you how to identify fake creatine, why it’s dangerous, and what you can do to stay safe.
Why Is Creatine So Popular?
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps supply energy to muscle cells. When taken as a supplement, it:
Increases strength and power output
Boosts performance during high-intensity workouts
Supports muscle growth and recovery
Due to its effectiveness and affordability, it’s a staple for gym-goers and athletes alike.
The Problem: Fake Creatine Flooding Online Marketplaces
Lately, there have been increasing reports of fake creatine being sold at unusually low prices, often with suspicious packaging and no safety certifications. Many of these products are sold by unverified sellers or listings with no proper reviews. Some fakes are convincing, but the quality, safety, and ingredients inside are highly questionable.
Dangers of Fake Creatine
Fake creatine may contain:
Unknown fillers or harmful substances
No active creatine at all
Contaminants that can harm your kidneys or liver
Ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions
Using counterfeit supplements can lead to zero performance benefits or, worse, serious health risks.
How to Spot Fake Creatine
Here are the top warning signs:
Unusually Low Price
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
No Authentication Code or Security Seal
Genuine brands like Optimum Nutrition and MuscleTech often provide a scratch code or hologram sticker for verification
No Batch Number or Expiry Date
All reputable supplements should show clear manufacturing and expiry information.
Strange Taste, Smell, or Texture
Fake creatine might taste bitter, smell bad, or clump instead of dissolving
Sold by Non-Authorized Sellers
Always check if the seller is official or verified. Stick to reputable supplement stores like ProteinLab Malaysia.
Suspicious Packaging
Look for spelling mistakes, blurry labels, or a design that doesn’t match the original.
As you can see from the image above, Optimum Nutrition (ON) Micronized Creatine Powder, which is an extremely famous brand in Malaysia, or globally, thus a lot of unethical retailers or resellers selling them. They even have a fake version of it in Malaysia; let’s not talk about other countries’ counterfeit versions. The above image is one of an example of counterfeit creatine in Malaysia. The spelling logo suppose to be “ON” but instead you can see it is “OM” instead.
What To Do If You Find Fake Creatine Online
If you suspect a product is fake
Report the listing on Shopee or Lazada
Leave a review warning others
Notify the brand (many have anti-counterfeit programs)
File a complaint to Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDN)
Where to Buy Authentic Creatine in Malaysia
To ensure you’re getting the real deal, purchase from trusted and verified sellers like:
Official brand websites
At ProteinLab, we only carry original creatine from trusted brands like SuppzLab Nutrition, Optimum Nutrition, Scitec Nutrition, and more. Every product comes with batch info, expiry dates, and often authenticity verification.