Creatine is a vital amino acid that fuels your cells and aids in muscular growth. This is why some people choose to supplement with oral creatine to improve their sports performance and undergo a physical makeover.
Unfortunately, while creatine is great for bulking up, it can also lead to water retention and what some may mistakenly believe to be fat gain.
You should know what kind of weight gain you can experience from using creatine pills, as well as what you can do to get rid of any excess weight.
HCl-creatine is what?
Creatine HCL is made by adding a hydrochloride group, (the HCL), to creatine, which increases its stability and solubility. Even while creatine monohydrate (the type you’ll find in 90% of supplements) is effective, it falls short because of its low solubility.
Effective Creatine supplementation
A number of creatine supplements are available, but creatine monohydrate stands out as the most studied.Just make sure the creatine you buy is of high enough quality. When picking out a supplement to help you get in shape, it’s best to go for one without any fillers, sugars, or artificial chemicals. It’s better to spend your money on the supplement than on other items.
Last but not least, remember to take your creatine as directed. In the event that you want to use creatine monohydrate, you should first engage in a loading phase, followed by a maintenance phase. The optimum outcome may be achieved by following this procedure.
Creatine HCL may eliminate the need for a loading period. Remember that in any case, consistency is of the utmost importance.
Consecutive effects of creatine HCL
Creatine has an excellent safety profile and is one of the most researched supplements ever. Side effects, which may affect just a minority of users, might include, but are not limited to: water retention, gastrointestinal bloating or discomfort, muscle cramps, and unwanted weight gain.
Creatinine HCL should not be taken by:
The following groups of persons should not use creatine supplements without first visiting a physician or pharmacist.
- People with kidney illness;
- pregnant women;
- people with gastrointestinal difficulties;
- those with high blood pressure or heart failure;
- people who have diabetes
The best supplement form
You may be confused about which creatine product is ideal, given the wide variety on the market. Creatine monohydrate has been the subject of the most research and is often considered the superior variety (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
Creatine hydrochloride (HCL) and creatine nitrate are two alternative forms that are marketed as being superior than creatine monohydrate in terms of absorption and use by the body.
However, studies reveal that creatine monohydrate is absorbed at a nearly 100% rate.
Creatine monohydrate is the most inexpensive type, while other forms are substantially more expensive due to claims that they are superior.
- To get the most bang for your buck and maximum results, creatine monohydrate is your best bet.
- Powdered creatine monohydrate is widely available and may be purchased either on its own or as part of a pre-workout supplement that also includes stimulants like caffeine.
- Though creatine monohydrate is frequently found in pre-workout products, it is recommended to get creatine as a standalone product so that you can dosage it appropriately, especially if you intend on loading.
- Use a spoon to mix the powder into the liquid. Creatine monohydrate in micronized form allows for simpler mixing.
- Because of its smaller particle size, micronized creatine dissolves more quickly and evenly into liquids than regular creatine.
Is there a recommended dosage?
Varying kinds of creatine HCL have different suggested doses, and this is to be expected. While Creatine monohydrate takes just 5-10 grammes per serving, one of the most reliable manufacturers with a proprietary Creatine HCL product suggests a more modest 750mg per 100 pounds of bodyweight.
When compared to the typical dosage recommended by other reputable HCL products on the market, the 3g dosage recommended by some creatine HCL manufacturers may seem excessive.
Why does dihydrotestosterone (DHT) cause balding?
There is a natural cycle that hair follicles follow. To recap, hair goes through a growth phase, a resting period, and then shedding.
DHT has the ability to connect to certain hormone receptors in hair follicles. This can result in shorter hair growth cycles and thinner, shorter hair. Because hair growth is slowing, more hairs are being shed each day than are being replaced.
Moreover, hair loss can run in families. Activation of the hormone receptors in hair follicles can be influenced by variations in a gene called AR.It’s also possible that the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT is more active.
When it comes to balding, what role does creatine play?
During the 7-day creatine loading phase of the 2009 trial on rugby players, a greater dose of the supplement was administered. The subsequent phase, during which creatine levels were kept at a lower steady state, was characterised by their absence.
DHT levels were observed to increase by more than 50%Trustworthy Source during the loading phase, and to maintain an increase of 40%Trustworthy Source above baseline throughout the maintenance phase. There was no change in testosterone levels.
Notably, the study participants’ hair loss wasn’t evaluated. This means that the only change we will see will be in our hormone levels.
DHT concentrations were found to be rising. An rise in DHT levels might put you at risk for hair loss, especially if you have a family history of balding.
The impact of creatine on DHT levels needs additional study. Creatine supplementation may increase DHT levels, but it has to be shown if such levels rise high enough to cause hair loss.
Last Words
Creatine is commonly used as a dietary supplement because of its positive effects on physical performance.
Creatine’s anti-aging and cognitive enhancement properties have also been the subject of research.
While there is little to no danger associated with using creatine supplements, doing so in excess, especially during the loading period, might lead to undesirable consequences like bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort.