Part of
Creatine
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Typical dose
Historically marketed at doses similar to creati...
About this supplement
Creatine ethyl ester is a synthetic ester derivative of creatine, where an ethyl group is attached to the creatine molecule. It was developed and marketed as a dietary supplement with claims of superior absorption and reduced side effects compared to creatine monohydrate. The esterification was intended to increase lipophilicity and passive diffusion across cell membranes. However, scientific research has largely discredited these claims, showing that creatine ethyl ester is unstable in aqueous solutions and rapidly converts to creatinine (a waste product) before reaching target tissues. It is considered less effective and less stable than the well-researched creatine monohydrate.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- Historically marketed at doses similar to creatine monohydrate (e.g., 2-5 grams daily), but efficacy at these doses is not supported by evidence.
- Suggested range
- Not reliably established due to lack of efficacy data. Not recommended by sports nutrition authorities.
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Creatine
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Buffered Creatine (Kre-Alkalyn)
Patented pH-buffered creatine form; claimed to be more stable and cause less blo...
Creatine
Creatine alpha-aminobutyrate
Creatine alpha-ketoglutarate
Creatine beta-hydroxybutyrate
Creatine gluconate
Creatine glutamine
Creatine HCL
Creatine Hydrochloride (Creatine HCl)
More soluble form of creatine; often used for improved absorption.
Creatine isoleucine
Creatine leucinate
Creatine leucine
Creatine Magnesium Chelate
Chelated form for enhanced absorption; combines creatine with magnesium.
Creatine Malate
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine nitrate
Creatine Orotate
Creatine phosphate
Creatine Pyruvate
Creatine valine
Creatine-leucine
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
862652-32-2 (hydrochloride salt common in supplements)
Formula
C6H13N3O2
Physical properties
Typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder. As an ester, it is more lipophilic than creatine monohydrate. It is soluble in water, but this solubility accelerates its degradation to creatinine. Often stabilized as a hydrochloride salt.
How it’s made
Synthesized via an esterification reaction between creatine and ethanol, typically under acidic conditions. The process involves the substitution of the carboxylic acid group of creatine with an ethyl ester group. It is often purified and sold as a hydrochloride salt to improve stability.