Answer desk
Straight answers
330 questions on protein, creatine, collagen, pre-workout, vitamins and the rules that govern them in South Africa. Each one opens with the answer, then the price maths and the sources.
Protein
Department- What is the best budget whey protein in South Africa?
- What is the best casein protein in South Africa?
- What is the best chocolate whey protein in South Africa?
- What is the best grass-fed whey protein in South Africa?
- What is the best lactose-free protein powder in South Africa?
- What is the best mass gainer in South Africa?
- What are the best protein bars in South Africa?
- What is the best protein powder for beginners in South Africa?
- What is the best protein powder for women in South Africa?
- What are the best ready-to-drink protein shakes in South Africa?
- What is the best-tasting whey protein in South Africa?
- What is the best unflavoured whey isolate in South Africa?
- What is the best vanilla whey protein in South Africa?
- What is the best whey protein isolate in South Africa?
- What is the best whey protein in South Africa?
- What are the best-rated whey proteins on Takealot?
- Can teenagers take whey protein in South Africa?
- Casein vs whey: what is the difference in South Africa?
- What is the cheapest whey protein per serving in South Africa?
- What is the cleanest whey protein without sweeteners in South Africa?
- Does whey protein cause acne?
- Why does whey protein make me bloated?
- Does whey protein expire and is it safe after the best-before date?
- Is grass-fed whey worth the extra money in South Africa?
- How much does whey protein cost in South Africa?
- How much protein do I need per day in South Africa?
- How much protein do you need to build muscle?
- How much whey protein per day is too much?
- How do you spot fake whey protein in South Africa?
- How should you store whey protein in South African summer heat?
- Is imported whey cheaper than local whey in South Africa?
- Is ATP Fitness whey protein any good in South Africa?
- Is Biogen a good supplement brand in South Africa?
- Is Evox a good supplement brand in South Africa?
- Is MyProtein available in South Africa and is it worth importing?
- Is Optimum Nutrition sold in South Africa original or fake?
- Do you really need protein powder in South Africa?
- Is USN a good supplement brand in South Africa?
- Is whey protein halaal in South Africa?
- Is whey protein safe for your kidneys in South Africa?
- Mass gainer vs whey protein: which should you buy in South Africa?
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard vs USN whey: which should you buy in South Africa?
- Should you mix whey protein with water or milk?
- USN vs Evox whey: which is better in South Africa?
- What is protein spiking and how do you avoid it in South Africa?
- When is the best time to take whey protein?
- Whey blend vs whey isolate: what is the difference in South Africa?
- Is hydrolysed whey better than whey isolate in South Africa?
- Whey isolate vs concentrate: which is better in South Africa?
- Dis-Chem vs Takealot vs Clicks: where is whey protein cheapest?
- Can you drink whey protein if you are lactose intolerant in South Africa?
- How do whey proteins compare per 30 g of protein in South Africa?
- Where can you buy whey protein in Cape Town?
- Where can you buy whey protein in Johannesburg and Pretoria?
- Who owns Biogen supplements in South Africa?
Creatine
Department- Are creatine gummies worth it in South Africa?
- What is the best creatine for women in South Africa?
- What is the best creatine in South Africa in 2026?
- Biogen vs USN creatine: which is better in South Africa?
- Will creatine cause a failed drug test in South Africa?
- Can you take creatine while cutting?
- Can you take creatine with coffee or caffeine?
- What is the cheapest creatine per serving in South Africa?
- Where is creatine cheapest: Dis-Chem, Clicks or Takealot?
- Is creatine useful for runners and cyclists?
- Do vegetarians and vegans benefit more from creatine?
- Creatine monohydrate vs creatine HCl: which is better in South Africa?
- What are the side effects of creatine in South Africa?
- Do South African schools and school rugby allow creatine?
- Do you need to load creatine?
- Does creatine cause bloating or water retention?
- Does creatine cause hair loss?
- Does creatine damage your kidneys?
- Does creatine expire?
- How much weight will you gain on creatine?
- How much creatine should you take per day?
- How much does creatine cost in South Africa?
- How do you mix creatine so it dissolves?
- How should you store creatine in South African heat?
- How can you tell if creatine is fake or diluted?
- Is ATP Fitness micronised creatine any good in South Africa?
- Is creatine safe for teenagers in South Africa?
- Is creatine safe and useful for women?
- Is single-ingredient creatine better than creatine blends?
- Is USN creatine monohydrate any good in South Africa?
- Is micronised creatine better than regular creatine in South Africa?
- What is Creapure and is it sold in South Africa?
- When is the best time to take creatine?
- Where can you buy creatine in Cape Town?
- Where can you buy creatine in Johannesburg and Pretoria?
Collagen
Department- What is the best collagen for women in South Africa?
- What is the best collagen powder in South Africa?
- What is the best collagen powder without additives in South Africa?
- What is the best time of day to take collagen?
- Can you put collagen in hot coffee?
- What is the cheapest collagen per 10 g dose in South Africa?
- Can collagen help with menopause skin and bone changes?
- Is collagen useful for runners and athletes in South Africa?
- Are collagen gummies worth it?
- Is collagen powder safe from heavy metals?
- Collagen peptides vs gelatine: what is the difference?
- Collagen powder vs capsules vs liquid: which is best?
- What are the side effects of collagen supplements?
- Do you need vitamin C with collagen?
- Does collagen actually work?
- Does collagen help hair and nails?
- Does collagen help joint pain and tendons?
- Does collagen powder improve skin and wrinkles?
- Is grass-fed collagen worth the extra money in South Africa?
- How much collagen should you take per day?
- How much does collagen powder cost in South Africa?
- Is ATP Fitness hydrolysed collagen any good?
- Is collagen a complete protein?
- Is Collagen Cafe a good collagen brand in South Africa?
- Is collagen halaal in South Africa?
- Is collagen supplementation safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding in South Africa?
- Marine vs bovine collagen: which is better in South Africa?
- Do vegan collagen boosters work?
- What is hydrolysed collagen and why is it used?
- Where can you buy collagen powder in South Africa?
Pre-workout
Department- What is the best pre-workout for women in South Africa?
- What is the best pre-workout in South Africa?
- What is the best stimulant-free pre-workout in South Africa?
- Can teenagers take pre-workout in South Africa?
- What is the cheapest pre-workout per serving in South Africa?
- What is the right citrulline malate dose?
- Can you build your own pre-workout from single ingredients in South Africa?
- Does pre-workout expire and how should you store it?
- How much caffeine is in pre-workout in South Africa?
- Is DMAA banned in South Africa and sport?
- Is pre-workout safe? What do South African doctors say?
- Does pre-workout raise blood pressure?
- How long before bed should you stop pre-workout?
- Can pre-workout cause a failed drug test in South Africa?
- How do South African pre-workout brands compare?
- Why does pre-workout cause heart palpitations or anxiety?
- Pre-workout vs coffee: which is better in South Africa?
- Why does pre-workout make your skin tingle?
- What does proprietary blend mean on a pre-workout label?
- What is dry scooping and is it dangerous?
- When should you take pre-workout?
- Where can you buy pre-workout in South Africa?
Amino acids
Department- Are single amino acid supplements safe for long-term use?
- Arginine vs citrulline: which raises nitric oxide better?
- BCAA vs EAA: which is better in South Africa?
- What is the best BCAA supplement in South Africa?
- What is the best beta-alanine in South Africa?
- What is the best citrulline malate in South Africa?
- What is the best EAA supplement in South Africa?
- What is the best glutamine in South Africa?
- Citrulline malate vs L-citrulline: which is better?
- Do BCAAs work if you already eat enough protein?
- How much beta-alanine should you take and does it work?
- How much do BCAA and EAA supplements cost in South Africa?
- How much does glutamine cost per serving in South Africa?
- How much glutamine should you take a day?
- Is L-carnitine worth taking for fat loss or performance?
- Do you need a leucine supplement?
- What does glutamine actually do?
- Where can you buy glutamine, beta-alanine and citrulline in South Africa?
Hydration and endurance
Department- How does 32Gi compare with other South African gels?
- What is the best carb drink for cycling in South Africa?
- What is the best electrolyte powder in South Africa?
- What are the best energy gels in South Africa?
- What are the best hydration tablets in South Africa?
- What is the best recovery drink after a long run in South Africa?
- Do caffeine gels improve endurance performance?
- How do you carb load for a marathon?
- What is the cheapest energy gel per 30 g of carbohydrate in South Africa?
- Is coconut water better than a sports drink?
- Do you need electrolytes or is water enough?
- Do salt tablets prevent cramps?
- Electrolyte tablets vs powders: which is better?
- How do you make a homemade electrolyte drink in South Africa?
- How many carbs per hour do you need for a marathon or ultra?
- How much do electrolyte powders and tablets cost per serving in South Africa?
- How much sodium do you need per hour when running in South African heat?
- How much water should runners drink in hot weather in South Africa?
- How do you avoid hitting the wall in a marathon?
- How do you stay hydrated training in summer heat in South Africa?
- Is 32Gi a good sports nutrition brand in South Africa?
- Is chocolate milk a good recovery drink?
- Do you need protein during ultra events?
- What is hyponatraemia and how do runners avoid it in South Africa?
- Where can you buy energy gels and electrolytes in South Africa?
Vitamins and minerals
Department- What is the best iron supplement in South Africa?
- What is the best magnesium supplement in South Africa?
- What is the best multivitamin in South Africa?
- What is the best omega-3 fish oil in South Africa?
- What is the best probiotic in South Africa?
- What is the best time to take vitamins and minerals?
- What is the best vitamin D3 supplement in South Africa?
- Which vitamins and minerals do athletes actually need in South Africa?
- Can you overdose on vitamins and minerals?
- Are Dis-Chem and Clicks house-brand vitamins as good as big brands?
- Do you need a zinc supplement in South Africa?
- Do multivitamins actually work?
- Do South Africans need vitamin D supplements in summer?
- Does biotin help hair growth?
- Does magnesium help sleep and muscle cramps?
- Fish oil vs krill oil vs algae oil: which is best?
- How much does a multivitamin cost in South Africa?
- How much magnesium should you take per day?
- How much omega-3 should you take?
- How much vitamin D should I take in South Africa?
- Should runners take iron supplements in South Africa?
- Is ashwagandha safe in South Africa?
- Is sunshine enough for vitamin D in Cape Town?
- Magnesium glycinate vs citrate: which is better in South Africa?
- Is melatonin legal over the counter in South Africa?
- How much vitamin B12 do vegans need in South Africa?
- Does vitamin C prevent colds?
- How much does a vitamin D blood test cost in South Africa?
- Do you need vitamin K2 with vitamin D3?
- Does ZMA work?
Weight
Department- Are over-the-counter appetite suppressants safe in South Africa?
- Are fat burners safe and legal in South Africa?
- Do fibre supplements help you feel full?
- What are the best meal replacement shakes in South Africa?
- What is the best protein powder for weight loss in South Africa?
- Does caffeine boost fat loss?
- Do fat burners work in South Africa?
- Do keto or ketone supplements work?
- Do protein shakes help you lose weight?
- Does apple cider vinegar help you lose weight?
- Does green tea extract help with fat loss?
- Do you need protein supplements on GLP-1 weight loss medication in South Africa?
- Is biltong a good high-protein snack for weight loss in South Africa?
- Is rapid weight loss with supplements safe in South Africa?
- How much protein do you need to lose fat and keep muscle?
- How can you gain weight healthily with supplements in South Africa?
- Which supplements break a fast?
- Is berberine really a natural Ozempic?
- Does L-carnitine burn fat in South Africa?
- Which supplements help during a cutting phase in South Africa?
Women's health
Department- Are protein shakes safe during pregnancy in South Africa?
- Is collagen worthwhile for menopause in South Africa?
- What is the best multivitamin for women in South Africa?
- Which supplements are useful while breastfeeding in South Africa?
- Which supplements help women who lift weights in South Africa?
- Can creatine help women in perimenopause and menopause?
- Do supplements interact with hormonal contraceptives?
- Do women need iron supplements in South Africa?
- How much folic acid should you take before pregnancy in South Africa?
- How much protein do women need per day in South Africa?
- Does magnesium help PMS and period cramps?
- Which supplements have evidence for PCOS symptoms?
- Do women over 40 need protein powder in South Africa?
- Which supplements are not safe during pregnancy in South Africa?
- Do women need vitamin D and calcium for bone health?
Healthy ageing
Department- What is the best multivitamin for over 50s in South Africa?
- What is the best protein powder for seniors in South Africa?
- Does collagen help joints over 50 in South Africa?
- Is creatine safe and useful for older adults?
- Does CoQ10 work for heart or energy?
- Do glucosamine and chondroitin work?
- How much protein do people over 60 need?
- How do you prevent muscle loss as you age?
- Does magnesium help older adults sleep?
- Are NMN and NAD supplements worth it in South Africa?
- Does omega-3 help with ageing?
- How much should you lift and eat for muscle after 60?
- Which supplements interact with common medicines in South Africa?
- Do people over 60 need vitamin D and B12 supplements in South Africa?
- What is sarcopenia and can supplements help?
Plant-based
Department- What is the best plant protein for weight loss in South Africa?
- What is the best vegan omega-3 in South Africa?
- What is the best vegan protein for muscle gain in South Africa?
- What is the best vegan protein powder in South Africa?
- Hemp protein vs pea protein: which is better?
- How much does vegan protein powder cost in South Africa?
- Is creatine vegan in South Africa?
- Is soy protein safe? Does it affect hormones in South Africa?
- Pea vs rice vs soy protein: which is best in South Africa?
- Is plant protein as good as whey for building muscle in South Africa?
- Is there a vegan alternative to collagen in South Africa?
- Which supplements do vegan athletes need?
Safety and regulation
Department- Are energy drinks and pre-workouts restricted for children in South Africa?
- Are prohormones in supplements illegal in South Africa?
- Are protein powders contaminated with lead and heavy metals?
- How do you know if a supplement is halaal or kosher in South Africa?
- Are supplements regulated in South Africa?
- Are supplements sold on Takealot genuine?
- Can you import supplements into South Africa?
- Can supplements cause a failed drug test for South African rugby players?
- Are expired supplements dangerous?
- Do supplements need SAHPRA registration to be sold in South Africa?
- How do you check if a supplement is safe for drug-tested sport in South Africa?
- How do you report a supplement side effect in South Africa?
- Is 'clinically proven' on a supplement label legal in South Africa?
- Which supplements are unsafe with kidney disease in South Africa?
- Which supplements are linked to liver injury?
- What should parents know about supplements for under-18s in South Africa?
- What do South African labelling rules say about supplements?
- Are SARMs legal in South Africa?
- What does third-party tested mean on a supplement label?
- What health claims can supplements legally make in South Africa?
- What is a proprietary blend and why can it be a red flag?
- What is Informed Sport certification and who has it in South Africa?
- What is SAHPRA Category D?
- Which supplements and ingredients are banned in South Africa?
- Which supplements are supported by the AIS and IOC frameworks?
Buying guide
Department- Can you trust supplement advice from gym shop staff in South Africa?
- Are supplement subscriptions worth it in South Africa?
- What are the best supplement shops in Cape Town?
- What supplements should a gym beginner buy first in South Africa?
- Where is the cheapest place to buy supplements in South Africa?
- Dis-Chem vs Clicks vs Takealot: where should you buy supplements?
- How do you choose a protein powder in South Africa?
- How do you compare supplement prices fairly?
- How do you read a supplement label in South Africa?
- How should you store supplements in South African summer heat?
- How does Healthnews24 compare supplements?
- Local vs imported supplements: which should you buy in South Africa?
- What is a sensible supplement stack for R500 a month in South Africa?
- When are supplements cheapest on Takealot and Black Friday?
- What does a clean-label supplement mean?
- Where can you buy supplements in Johannesburg?
- Where can you safely buy supplements online in South Africa?
- Which supplements actually work and which are a waste of money?
By sport
Department- How do you fuel and recover for the Cape Epic?
- How should you fuel for the Cape Town Cycle Tour?
- What should you eat, drink and take during the Comrades Marathon?
- How should you fuel for Ironman 70.3 South Africa?
- Which supplements help CrossFit athletes in South Africa?
- Which supplements help powerlifters in South Africa?
- Which supplements are useful for rugby players in South Africa?
- Should school athletes take supplements in South Africa?
- How should you fuel for trail runs in South Africa?
- What should you take for the Two Oceans Marathon?