Creatine (CR) is a naturally occurring substance, produced in our bodies in the liver from the amino acids L-Arginine, L-Glycine and L-Methionine(1). Daily turnover of creatine occurs at a rate of ~2g/day via non-enzymatic, irreversible degradation of creatine and creatine phosphate to creatinine(2). Creatinine freely diffuses out of the cell and is easily filtered by the healthy kidney(3). This loss is normally replaced by endogenous CR synthesis, as well as exogenous (dietary) sources of creatine such as meat(4). However, vegetarians typically have lower levels of creatine in serum and muscle(5), and experience a greater elevation in muscle CR following dietary supplementation(6).
Due in part to its relatively large mass, over 95% of the body’s store of creatine is found in skeletal muscle (~120g in a 70kg male(1)), where it participates in energetic processes to restore ATP and shuttle high energy phosphate in the form of CR phosphate from the mitochondria to the myofibrillar cross-bridges to generate muscular contractile force(7).
Because CR is a charged molecule(2)it must normally be transported across cell membranes by a CR transport protein, including that of the gut (for oral absorption) and skeletal muscle (for uptake into the cell)(8-11).Following a period of CR loading, all of a 5g daily dose of CR monohydrate is recoverable in the urine as CR or its degradative by-product creatinine(12), suggesting that in most individuals, absorption of creatine monohydrate is complete, at least at these doses.
However, anecdotal reports of gastric distress(13) suggest that some individuals may have difficulty absorbing CR in the amounts provided by a CR supplement. To aid in trans-membrane movement, ethyl esterification (akin to the acetylation of salicylic acid to make aspirin, a.k.a. acetylsalycylic acid) of drugs or other substances is commonly employed to bypass normal means of uptake, enhance bioavailability and reduce side effects(14). Although scientific investigation of the pharmacokinetics CR ethyl ester (CEE) is lacking, anecdotal reports of increased body mass without gastric discomfort are consistent with the abrupt weight gain noted innumerous research studies of CR monohydrate supplementation(15-22), suggesting the CEE does indeed make its way to skeletal muscle.
The ergogenic and anabolic effects of CR have been under investigation for more than a decade, with widely inconsistent results(23). However, taken as a whole the large body of literature suggests that supplemental CR can have ergogenic effects, especially during brief duration, high intensity exercise (such as resistance exercise) and in individuals who have low muscle CR levels, such as vegetarians, and those with abnormalities of CR metabolism(21, 24,25). Creatine may also have an anti-inflammatory action(26, 27), aid in nerve re-generation(28) have ananabolic or anti-catabolic effect on skeletal muscle(29-32), although the literature is not consistent in this regard(33,34), and/or prevent performance decrements during periods of high intensity training(35).
By aiding in muscular performance (training stimulus), affecting recovery via altering muscle protein metabolism or nerve function, CR would hypothetically enhance adaptation to exercise training, including the muscular growth adaptation to resistance training. The degree to which this occurs is likely dependent upon the degree to which supplemental CR increases muscle CR as well as body mass during the initial period of CR supplementation(36, 37).
Supplement Use
Individuals should consult with their physician before beginning CEE supplementation, especially those with pre-existing renal disease.
Adverse medical side effects of shortand long-term CR supplementation are generally absent in the scientific literature(13, 23,38-42), although individual cases of those experiencing reversable renal dysfunction in association with CR supplementation have been reported(43).
CR can be taken in doses of 2-5g / day to elevate or maintain elevated muscle creatine levels(12,44, 45). Consuming CR as CEE may even lower the amount of CR needed for this effect.
CR supplementation improves blood lipid profile by elevating HDL concentration and reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and blood triglyceride levels(46,47). CEE could be taken with Alpha Lipoic Acid to enhance its uptake(48),as well as with carbohydrate to enhance glycogen synthesis(49). Taking CEE, along with Vitamin C, may reduce muscle soreness or inflammation(26, 27). CEE could also be used in a post-workout, weight gainer or carb-up drink along Alpha Lipoic Acid, L-Arginine (to optimize nutrient delivery), Waxy Maize and/or other carbohydrate source, and a high quality protein or protein blend .
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL.
Inactive Ingredients
Magnesium Stearate, Capsule (Vegetable Cellulose).
General Warnings
If you are currently pregnant or nursing, consult a physician prior to use. Keep out of the reach of children.
Allergen Warnings
Although this product may not contain one or all of the following, this product is manufactured in a facility that handles milk, soy, egg, peanut, nut, tree, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, and wheat products.
DISCLAIMER: The above description is provided for information only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician or the appropriately licensed professional before engaging in a program of exercise or nutritional supplementation. No information in this site has been reviewed by the FDA. No product is intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease.
References
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