Mixed
Alternative forms of creatine (e.g., creatine HCl, creatine ethyl ester, creatine malate) are not superior to creatine monohydrate (CM) in increasing muscle creatine content or improving exercise performance, despite marketing claims suggesting otherwise.
If you are buying creatine, stick to creatine monohydrate (CM). Alternative forms like creatine HCl, ethyl ester, or malate are marketed as superior, but scientific evidence shows they are not better at increasing muscle creatine or improving performance than standard CM. You are likely paying significantly more (up to 116% higher per gram) for no additional benefit.
none have been to be superior to CM in terms of increasing muscle creatine content [35] despite the commonly used marketing claims/marketing hyperbole shown in Figure 1.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive market analysis of 175 products cross-referenced with Kreider et al.'s evidence classification, though it relies on secondary evidence for the efficacy of alternatives.
Source
Analysis of the efficacy, safety, and cost of alternative forms of creatine available for purchase on Amazon.com: are label claims supported by science?
Guillermo Escalante et al. · Heliyon · 2022
DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12113
Related findings · Mixed
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →