Rec and Sports

So Many Creatines – Which is the Best?

As you’re probably aware, there are several types of creatine supplements on the market right now. But how do you know which ones are more effective, or if they are even effective at all? With all the choices it can get very confusing. So let’s take a look at some of the different types that are out there.

The three main types of creatine that you’ll see in a store these days are creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester (CEE), and liquid creatine. Every now and then you’ll see some others on the shelf, but these are the three most common.

So let’s take a look at the difference between these types of creatine supplements.

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is creatine without anything added. This is just the most basic form of creatine that you can find. As such, it’s also the cheapest way to go. You can also look for different qualities, and some claim to be more pure than others. Creatine monohydrate is 100% natural and occurs naturally in many foods, so you’ll never see it on the list of banned supplements. It’s natural and has so far been proven safe for use.

Creatine Ethyl Ester (CEE)

Most of the other versions of creatine that are on the market claim to be more easily absorbed by the body. This is the case with CEE. What they’ve done is attached an organic compound called an ester that apparently makes it easier for the body to absorb. And the more creatine your body can absorb the more it can put to work for you!

Liquid Creatines

Similar to CEE, the idea here is to improve absorption. Monohydrate creatine supplements have the tendency to bond with food in your stomach, making them less effective. The idea behind liquid creatine is that it avoids this problem. In it’s liquid form it tend to not attach itself to food and so is absorbed by the body better.

Final Thoughts

While they have generated a lot of buzz, CEE and liquid creatine have not convinced everyone of their superiority to regular creatine monohydrate. At this time there have not been enough studies conducted to really determine if they are superior in any way. So far there is more proof behind CEE than liquid creatine.

If you haven’t started using some form of creatine you should. It is by far the most researched muscle building supplement and can help you to reach your goals when you use it with an effective nutrition and exercise plan. And it’s relatively inexpensive!