What is creatine HCL?

Creatine is a substance that is found naturally in muscle cells. It helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise. Taking creatine as a supplement is very popular among athletes and bodybuilders in order to gain muscle, enhance strength and improve exercise performance ( 1 ).

How much HCL creatine should I take?

Taking too much creatine at one time can result in stomach discomfort and bloating, and it’s a waste of money. After your muscles are fully saturated with creatine, it’s recommended to take 3–5 grams (14 mg/pound or 30 mg/kg) daily to maintain optimal muscle stores.

Is Creatine HCL or monohydrate better?

Creatine HCL has been shown in the lab to be about 40 times more soluble in fluid than creatine monohydrate. And research shows that when subjects consume the same amounts of creatine HCL and creatine monohydrate, the creatine HCL is absorbed by the intestines around 60\% better than creatine monohydrate.

Does Creatine HCL make you look bigger?

Also known as fluid retention, creatine can cause rapid water weight because the supplement draws water into your muscles’ cells. Your muscles will hold onto this water, resulting in bloating or puffiness around your arms, legs, or stomach. Your muscles may even appear bigger, even if you’ve just begun your training.

Should I load creatine HCL?

To maximize creatine muscle stores quickly, a loading phase of 20 grams daily for 5–7 days is recommended, followed by a maintenance dose of 2–10 grams per day. Another approach is 3 grams daily for 28 days.

When should I take HCL and creatine?

On workout days, research shows that it may be better to take creatine shortly before or after you exercise, rather than long before or after. On rest days, it may be beneficial to take it with food, but the timing is probably not as important as on exercise days.

How fast does Creatine HCL work?

Research proves that a creatine loading phase can maximize your muscle stores within one week or less ( 2 ). This strategy involves taking 20 grams of creatine daily for 5–7 days to saturate your muscles rapidly, followed by 2–10 grams daily to maintain high levels ( 2 , 6 ).

How fast does creatine HCL work?

Is there more than one form of creatine?

There is more than one form of creatine. The most common and popular are creatine HCL and creatine monohydrate. While both HCL and monohydrate are utilized for the same end purpose, achieving the earlier mentioned results.

What is the difference between creatine monohydrate and hydrochloride?

Creatine Hydrochloride (HCL) Manufacturers of creatine HCL market this form as providing more benefits than creatine monohydrate—even when you use a smaller dose (usually between 1-2 grams per day).

Is creatine HCl the best choice for You?

In fact, for reaping all the benefits of one of the most highly touted and widely studied performance-enhancing supplements ever, your best bet is creatine HCL. Creatine hydrochloride (HCL) is made by attaching a hydrochloride (HCL) group to creatine to enhance its stability.

What is the best type of creatine for muscle building?

The type of creatine you see most often on the shelves of supplement stores is creatine monohydrate, but this isn’t your only option. In fact, for reaping all the benefits of one of the most highly touted and widely studied performance-enhancing supplements ever, your best bet is creatine HCL.