CREATINE: BEYOND MONOHYDRATE

What can we tell you about creatine that you don't already know? Hell, you're probably so sick of hearing us talk about it that you can barely stomach another word on the subject. We don't blame you. Most of the supplement stacks we recommend for gaining size and strength are built around creatine. You might even assume we got so lazy in our supplement recommendations that we just started throwing it into every stack we mention.

We admit it - we're guilty of frequently recommending creatine. But we can live with that. After all, creatine is one of the best supplements available, hands down. Few products give you the same mass and strength gains. And we're not just quoting anecdotal reports from the guys at the gym; hundreds of studies support creatine's effectiveness in everyone from teenagers to the elderly, both male and female. It has been shown to increase lean muscle mass and strength, boost brain function, reduce the risk of several diseases, work as an antioxidant and even help prevent sun damage to skin. As far as safety goes, numerous studies show that short- and long-term use of creatine in prescribed doses is safe and doesn't damage the kidneys or cause muscle cramps or strains. Not surprisingly, weightlifting's wonder supp has taken on a few upgrades over the years. Now, you have more options to choose from, all of which are solid choices.

>> Creatine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate
It was only a matter of time: First, we got used to the amino acid arginine having alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) attached to it in many potent nitric oxide (NO) boosters to improve its absorption. Other aminos followed, and soon manufacturers started adding AKG to creatine to aid absorption and uptake. Creatine-AKG is simply creatine bound to a molecule of AKG, a precursor of glutamine, which means creatine-AKG is not only absorbed better but also provides a source of glutamine (an amino acid crucial for muscle growth and health). AKG is readily absorbed by the intestines, which eliminates the possibility of gastrointestinal problems, as well as muscle cells, which means that creatine-AKG doesn't need the help of the creatine transporter to enter the cells. These properties let you take less creatine with fewer simple carbs. Additionally, your body uses AKG for fuel between sets to replenish creatine phosphate levels.

Dose: Most creatine-AKG products provide 2-5 grams per dose.

>>Creatine Gluconate
One of the newest products is creatine gluconate, which is comprised of creatine bonded to glucose. This combination improves creatine's intestinal absorption because it's absorbed in a manner similar to regular glucose, a fast-digesting carb. The glucose also allows the creatine to dissolve well when mixed in water and helps it enter muscle cells by increasing insulin release.

Dose: Taking 3-5 grams of creatine gluconate per dose should prove effective.

>>Creatine Ethyl Ester
Creatine ethyl ester (CEE) is also known simply as creatine ester. It's formed by the addition of an alcohol and an acid to the creatine molecule. Adding the ester group enhances creatine molecules' ability to pass across cell membranes in the intestine (resulting in easier absorption) as well as muscle cells. CEE lets you take less creatine and skip all the carbs.

Dose: Most manufacturers suggest taking as little as 1-2 grams of CEE per dose.

>>Creatine Methyl Ester
Creatine methyl ester is creatine with a methyl group attached to it. A methyl group consists of a carbon atom combined with three hydrogen atoms. This organic attachment prevents the creatine molecule from breaking down as it's digested and metabolized; ultimately, this can lead to greater creatine uptake by the muscles. It also means that methylated products require less dosing than creatine monohydrate.

Dose: Most manufacturers suggest a dose of 1-2 grams of creatine methyl ester.

>>Tricreatine Orotate
The name may sound confusing, but it just indicates creatine bound to orotic acid. Okay, maybe that's not any less confusing. Orotic acid - a precursor of nucleic acids (the building blocks of DNA) - works by increasing carnosine levels in muscle. Carnosine is a compound of two amino acids (dipeptide) that helps muscle cells buffer the acidity that builds up during intense exercise. This keeps muscles contracting stronger for a longer period. Orotic acid also enhances the formation of creatine phosphate in muscle cells and improves muscle growth by supporting the production of key players in muscle-protein synthesis. By taking tricreatine orotate, you get all the benefits of creatine with the added benefits of orotic acid.

Dose: A typical dose of tricreatine orotate is 5 grams.