Not so Super Creatine? Monster Energy study sheds light on CLL bioavailability for first time

09 Feb 2022 --- The molecule creatyl-L-leucine (CLL) is not a bioavailable source of creatine, a Canadian study has revealed, as researchers attempt to find an alternative to the commonly used creatine monohydrate (CrM).

This is the first controlled study testing the bioavailability of CLL and to what extent it can be a bioavailable form of creatine. It is used as an additive in some sports supplements and beverages under the trademark Super Creatine, used by Bang Energy drinks. The research was funded by Monster Energy Drink.

Creatine is largely used in a bid to enhance athletic performance during demanding physical activity. CrM is usually taken as a loading dose of 20 g per day for five to seven days, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 g per day, the study notes. 

However, some research suggests that the relatively large amount of creatine taken to achieve benefits can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. 

“Efforts have been made to identify an alternative supplement that has more favorable characteristics and could provide bioavailable creatine. Although several creatine salts have been assessed for favorable properties and bioavailability, CrM was still found to be the most favorable form of creatine supplement,” the research notes.Creatine monohydrate is seen as an effective sports supplement that can enhance athletic performance. 

Results favor CrM
The study was carried out on rats that were deprived of dietary creatine for two weeks and then given one of three treatments. 

One group was on a control AIN-93G creatine-free diet; a second was AIN-93G supplemented with CrM and the third with AIN-93G and an equimolar amount of CLL supplement for one week. The AIN-93G diet is designed to accommodate the increased nutritional demands of rat or mouse growth. 

Results showed that CLL supplementation did not increase plasma, muscle or brain creatine levels after seven days. CrM supplementation, on the other hand, showed a significant increase in creatine levels in plasma and muscle, with a trend toward an increase in brain creatine.

The observations indicate that CLL is not converted to creatine in the intestine during digestion. 

“It is concluded that CLL did not bioaccumulate, is poorly absorbed by the intestine and is not a bioavailable source of creatine. These data would also suggest that analogous creatine, amino acid-amides, would also have similar properties as dietary supplements,” the findings note. 

Industry is attempting to overcome solubility and stability issues traditionally associated with creatine, spurring innovation in the space. Glanbia has designed its CreaVen item, a creatine monyhydrate, targeting improved beverage performance. The item features an encapsulation technology that facilitates a more soluble and stable creatine monohydrate.

Edited by Andria Kades