Creatine Pyruvate: A Quick Overview

What Is Creatine Pyruvate?

Creatine Pyruvate is a novel form of creatine designed to enhance the absorption of creatine compared to the traditional Creatine Monohydrate. This compound consists of 60% creatine and 40% pyruvate by weight. Creatine is well-known for its ability to support muscle strength, size, and power, particularly during high-intensity workouts.

Pyruvate, on the other hand, is involved in energy production and has been studied for its potential ergogenic effects. Together, these components aim to offer enhanced benefits for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Origin of Creatine Pyruvate

Creatine Pyruvate was first synthesized by the German company Degussa AG under the trade name Creapure™ Pyruvate. Degussa AG is also known for producing Creapure™ Creatine Monohydrate, a widely recognized form of creatine. Although the company initially manufactured Creatine Pyruvate, recent information indicates that production has ceased, making it a less common option in the supplement market today.

Benefits of Creatine Pyruvate

One of the primary advantages of Creatine Pyruvate is its improved solubility in water compared to creatine monohydrate, which allows it to be more easily incorporated into sports drinks and effervescent tablets. Upon ingestion, the creatine-pyruvate molecule quickly breaks down in the acidic environment of the stomach, releasing both creatine and pyruvate. This theoretically combines the benefits of creatine supplementation, such as increased muscle strength and power, with the potential ergogenic effects of pyruvate.

Advertisements for Creatine Pyruvate often claim superior bioavailability compared to creatine monohydrate. However, while studies have shown that Creatine Pyruvate provides similar benefits in terms of muscle strength, size, and power as creatine monohydrate, the claims of significantly improved absorption remain a topic of debate.

Absorption of Creatine Pyruvate vs. Creatine Monohydrate

A study comparing the absorption of Creatine Pyruvate with that of creatine monohydrate found that Creatine Pyruvate resulted in slightly higher plasma creatine concentrations. However, the differences in the rate of absorption were not significant, leading the researchers to conclude that the bioavailability of the two forms is likely similar. This is especially noteworthy since creatine monohydrate is already known for its nearly 100% absorption rate.

Creatine Pyruvate vs. Creatine Citrate

When comparing Creatine Pyruvate to Creatine Citrate, research has shown that Creatine Pyruvate may be more effective in maintaining muscle force during intermittent, high-intensity exercise. This additional benefit is believed to be due to the pyruvate component, which may enhance aerobic metabolism and support sustained energy production during intense workouts.

Safety and Side Effects of Creatine Pyruvate

Although there are limited studies specifically focusing on Creatine Pyruvate, the available research has not reported any significant adverse side effects. Given the well-established safety profile of creatine monohydrate, it is reasonable to assume that Creatine Pyruvate would offer similar safety levels.

Recommended Dosages and Timing for Creatine Pyruvate

Marketers of Creatine Pyruvate suggest that its enhanced absorption may reduce the need for the traditional creatine loading phase, which typically involves taking approximately 20 grams per day for several days, followed by a lower maintenance dose of 2-5 grams per day. With Creatine Pyruvate, users may be able to skip the loading phase and start directly with a maintenance dose, though more research is needed to confirm this practice.

Creatine Pyruvate Supplements

Creatine Pyruvate is still relatively new in the supplement market, and as a result, it is not widely available in a large variety of products. It may take more favourable research findings before Creatine Pyruvate becomes a more common ingredient in supplements. For those interested in trying Creatine Pyruvate, it is recommended to check with your preferred supplement retailer to see what products they offer.

Stacking Creatine Pyruvate

Creatine, including Creatine Pyruvate, can be effectively stacked with various other supplements. Popular combinations include protein powders and creatine-free pre-workout formulas. Another widely used stack is beta-alanine, which enhances high-intensity exercise performance through a different mechanism than creatine, potentially providing synergistic benefits when used together.

Conclusion

Creatine Pyruvate offers a promising alternative to traditional creatine supplements, combining the benefits of creatine and pyruvate for potentially enhanced athletic performance. While its solubility and absorption may provide some advantages, further research is needed to fully establish its efficacy.

References

1. Jager R, et al. The effects of creatine pyruvate and creatine citrate on performance during high intensity exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2008;5:4.
2. Jager R, et al. Comparison of the new forms of creatine in raising plasma creatine levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2007;4:17.