Supplmnt Defends Creatine Content Following YouTube Allegations
Supplmnt has strongly denied claims their creatine gummies contain just 2.4% of the purported dose.
The brand was one of several called out by fitness dark knight James Smith in a YouTube video posted today.
He alleged Push, Gains Nutrition and Unique Physique were also selling “sweets” as creatine gummies, with efficacy falling well short of what’s on the label.
This comes after the 36-year-old publicly tore into Ovrload earlier this year.
Ovrload, founded by Johnny Lye, has since relaunched with two fresh flavours, a new manufacturer and stringent testing protocols — pledging to refund or replace orders affected by the scandal.
Gymfluencers contacted Supplmnt in the wake of Smith’s exposé. The UK-based operator has since responded with a statement, questioning the YouTuber-turned-entrepreneur’s testing method.
“At Supplmnt, our mission is to deliver high-quality, science-backed supplements that consumers can trust,” the response read.
“All of our Creatine Gummies are formulated to deliver the stated creatine content and are rigorously third-party tested to ensure label accuracy and consumer confidence.
“We are aware of James Smith’s recent video and appreciate that independent testing is an important part of accountability in the supplement industry.
“However, it’s critical that testing methodologies align with the product format.
“Creatine in a gummy matrix behaves differently than in powders, and certain testing methods — particularly those designed for powdered products — can underreport levels in gelatin or pectin-based supplements if sample preparation is not adapted accordingly.
“To ensure accuracy, we work with Eurofins, one of the world’s leading independent testing laboratories. Their verified reports confirm that our gummies contain the advertised creatine levels. For example, independent testing showed:
- Pineapple Creatine Gummies: 4.96g creatine per 12g serving (4 gummies)
- Cola Creatine Gummies: 4.93g creatine per 12g serving (4 gummies)
- Blueberry Creatine Gummies: 4.32g creatine per 12g serving (4 gummies)
“The test can be found here: https://www.supplmnt.com/pages/certificates
“We stand by our testing and welcome constructive dialogue on how testing processes can be refined for innovative supplement formats like gummies.”
Supplmnt’s Blueberry Creatine Gummies were the ones tested by Smith, who alleges his data shows just 0.125g of creatine per serving, far below the promised 5g.
While Supplmnt’s own testing found 4.32g — still slightly short of the full dose — it’s a far cry from the minute figures claimed by Smith.
The full results from Smith’s tests are available on his YouTube channel.
The Testing Controversy Explained
Supplmnt aren’t the first brand to highlight potential testing flaws with creatine gummies. Push — who were heavily criticised in Smith’s video — put out the following post in May this year:
“Testing is a top priority for us. We’re committed to delivering the highest quality gummies possible. That’s why we test for both creatine content and banned substances.
“For creatine content, we test with the world-leading facility Eurofins.
“Eurofins has developed the modified USP Creatine Monograph test specifically for pectin-based gummies.
“Every batch of Push Gummies has consistently met, or slightly exceeded the intended creatine dose.
“We’re fully transparent with our results and publish each batch’s report on the testing page of our website.
“It’s important to note that standard creatine tests were originally developed for powders and biological tissues.
“These methods aren’t suitable for pectin-based gummies and may inaccurately show no creatine present.”
On that statement, Smith said: “I think and assume that you are trying to deflect allegations here and I’ll explain why.
“First of all, a few of the reports that you put on your website have redacted QR codes. As we saw from the previous video, these forms, when you share them, must be shown in their entirety for them to be valid.
“Not only that, you’re saying that you use a certain way of testing because other tests are inaccurate. But several of the other brands I tested also use pectin, the same thing that you’re saying interferes with the detection of creatine.
“If the testing method is inconsistent, why is it that other brands — with pectin-based gummies the same as your own — showed very clearly and evidently there was creatine in the gummies?
“Why is it that when creatine is in another brand’s pectin gummy we can detect it using our method of testing, but when we tested yours we can’t?”
Smith says he’s using HPLC testing, while others conducting tests that he’s liaised with are using UPLC.
“Now I will admit, between our testing and their testing, we both identify relatively small discrepancies in the amount of creatine detected in each gummy,” he continued.
“But it’s clear as day, and consistent across all the data we have, that we can determine very easily whether or not there is creatine inside a gummy, or there isn’t.
“Even if this method of detecting creatine was inaccurate, how do you explain that other pectin gummies show up very clearly, very close to the amount they purport, why yours wouldn’t show any?
“And why consistently across data, it is very apparent there is less than 2% of creatine in a gummy, or nearly 100%. I would agree that between different testing methods, the exact amount of creatine would vary.
“But I completely disagree that a creatine gummy with the right amount of creatine in it would show as none detected.
“So Push Gummies, if you’re watching this, I ask you to publicly explain that to me and everyone else that’s buying your product.”
What’s Next in the Creatine Gummy Scandal?
Something of a Mexican standoff is evolving between all parties. Smith has come out all guns blazing and claims to have results showing creatine present in pectin-based gummies through his method of testing.
However, with brands like Supplmnt and Push adamant the results won’t be reliable without correct protocols, there’s an added layer of complexity to this whole saga.
Gymfluencers intends to contact Eurofins to seek added guidance on what the correct protocol should be for testing these gummies.
Creatine gummies, like those produced by Supplmnt, have surged in popularity in recent years.
Billed as a more convenient alternative to traditional creatine powders — which are often gritty and hard to dissolve — these gummies are frequently fortified with added vitamins and minerals such as electrolytes.
Supplmnt’s version includes Vitamin B12 and L-Taurine for added function.
Push and Gains Nutrition have also been contacted for comment. No contact details could be found for Unique Physique.
