Creatine: monohydrate, hcl, or mix?

[unknown89]

so I just recently, maybe 4 days ago picked up a tub of the Creatine x3 (8grams) from wal-mart since it was cheap and I've never taken creatine before. (It's got monohydrate and hcl)

Now after doing some research, I've read that only creatine monohydrate is better and a mix of that and hcl is less effective.

Relatively new to the workout scene, and curious what others here think

Thanks!

[kbayne]

Monohydrate is all you need at 3-5 grams per day.

[emergency]

HCL crew checking in. always best to do your research before buying a supplement but since you already have it might as well use it. I would also recommend looking here on BB.com next time you need supps. Lots of quality products, best customer service, fast shipping, and they price match as well.

[llahhsoj]

so I just recently, maybe 4 days ago picked up a tub of the Creatine x3 (8grams) from wal-mart since it was cheap and I've never taken creatine before. (It's got monohydrate and hcl)

Now after doing some research, I've read that only creatine monohydrate is better and a mix of that and hcl is less effective.

Relatively new to the workout scene, and curious what others here think

Thanks!

People normally recommend mono first because it is cheaper and most people don't have any bloating from it. Mono and hcl will pretty much yield the same results. Hcl is better for some people because it will cause less bloating. A mix of both is fine and you will not be getting any less gains from it.

Since you are new to the workout scene, check out the link below.

Workout Routines

[unknown89]

Thanks for the replies guys. Is there even a difference in taking straight monohydrate vs a mix of both?

Also, the serving for the stuff I have is 8 grams, should I drop that to 5 grams (not loading)? Or should I just continue to take 8g /day until I run out?

I also still have the receipt. I could return it and get something else if it's advised/there's better options

[NEBinAK]

Thanks for the replies guys. Is there even a difference in taking straight monohydrate vs a mix of both?

Also, the serving for the stuff I have is 8 grams, should I drop that to 5 grams (not loading)? Or should I just continue to take 8g /day until I run out?

I also still have the receipt. I could return it and get something else if it's advised/there's better options

You don't even need 5, just use 3, and there's no major difference between taking straight mono or a mix, just take 3g a day every day

[The Solution]

Monohydrate is all you need at 3-5 grams per day.

This... Mono for sure

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2649889/
http://www.jissn.com/content/6/1/6

Conclusion

Creatine ethyl ester did not show any additional benefit to increase muscle strength or performance than creatine monohydrate or maltodextose placebo.

Additionally, total body mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, and thigh muscle mass were not significantly enhanced with creatine ethyl ester supplementation compared to placebo or creatine monohydrate groups.

I. The vast majority of the improvement observed in the present study can most likely be attributed to the training protocol itself, rather than the supplementation.

Furthermore, it appears that the skeletal muscle uptake of creatine ethyl ester uptake was not significant enough to increase skeletal muscle creatine levels without significant degradation to creatinine occurring.

[Rob1882]

Did not even see CEE mentioned by anyone.. :|


HCL and Mono are equally as effective, and give the same end result.

As to amount 5g a day, and once saturated can take 3-5g every day or every other day.

http://examine.com/supplements/Creatine/

^ Some additional info on creatine it self

[scottyb05]

Did not even see CEE mentioned by anyone.. :|


HCL and Mono are equally as effective, and give the same end result.

As to amount 5g a day, and once saturated can take 3-5g every day or every other day.

http://examine.com/supplements/Creatine/

^ Some additional info on creatine it self

Lol'd you even copy paste bro?

I prefer mono personally, but I know others who prefer hcl. Mono is cheaper and more studied.

Would def purchase supps from here and not from walmart tho...

[co1e_train]

I would recommend Monohydrate at 5g a day. The other forms of creatine really have no significant advantage over plain old, tried and true, monohydrate.

[Cheftepesh]

Stick with mono to start. If you have any issues then look to others, but basic mono is the best way to go

[llahhsoj]

Thanks for the replies guys. Is there even a difference in taking straight monohydrate vs a mix of both?

Also, the serving for the stuff I have is 8 grams, should I drop that to 5 grams (not loading)? Or should I just continue to take 8g /day until I run out?

I also still have the receipt. I could return it and get something else if it's advised/there's better options

A mix of creatine mono and hcl will yield the same results as just mono or just hcl. Hcl causes less bloating. Bloating from creatine isn't an issue with a guestimated 98% of the population.

[wishiwasdivin]

Did not even see CEE mentioned by anyone.. :|


HCL and Mono are equally as effective, and give the same end result.

As to amount 5g a day, and once saturated can take 3-5g every day or every other day.

http://examine.com/supplements/Creatine/

^ Some additional info on creatine it self

^^ this

[unknown89]

Great info, thanks!