Creatine
Creatine Ethyl Ester
Creatine is a compound found naturally in the body. It can also be acquired through our diet, mainly in meat and fish. Some good sources of creatine are beef, tuna, salmon and cod.
Creatine is synthesized in the liver, kidney and pancreas from amino acids L-arginine, glycine and L-methionine. After creatine is metabolized, it is transported to different parts of the body, including skeletal muscle, brain, heart and other tissues. Creatine helps to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a major source of energy. ATP is important for providing energy during metabolic and anaerobic activities.
Supplementation of creatine has been shown to increase muscular force, decrease fatigue and increase lean muscle mass. It also increases protein synthesis and stabilizes biological membranes. Creatine also has cardioprotective and neuroprotective functions.
Creatine ethyl ester (CEE) is creatine monohydrate with an additional ester attached. The esterification of creatine increases its lipophilic abilities, where creatine ethyl ester is able to permeate the cell wall more efficiently and make use of its effects on cellular functions. Creatine ethyl ester is very soluble which results in greater absorption of creatine. Thus, less creatine ethyl ester needs to be ingested to attain a desired effect.
In general, creatine draws water into cells, and the unabsorbed creatine is stored outside the cells with the water, resulting in “Creatine Bloat.” Creatine ethyl ester is beneficial in attracting the water into the muscles, thus eliminating the “Creatine Bloat.”
UniChem Enterprises Inc. has subcontracted testing facilities (e.g. ChromaDex) to conduct independent testing on Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL. We can provide testing information upon request regarding test results.
References: (1) Hendler et al. “Creatine,” PDR for Nutritional Supplements, 2001: 114-117. (2) Persky AM and Brazeau GA. “Clinical pharmacology of the dietary supplement creatine monohydrate,” Pharmacology Review, 2001 June; 53(2): 161-176. (3) “Vitamins & health supplements guide,” Electronic source, 2007, August. http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/amino-acids/creatine.php
