Part of
Creatine
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Typical dose
Often marketed at 1-2 grams per serving, compare...
About this supplement
Creatine hydrochloride (Creatine HCl) is a salt form of creatine where creatine is bound to hydrochloric acid. This formulation is marketed as having higher solubility in water compared to creatine monohydrate, potentially leading to better absorption and reduced gastrointestinal discomfort. Creatine itself is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps supply energy to cells, particularly muscle cells, via the phosphocreatine system. The hydrochloride form is designed to be more stable in solution and may require smaller doses due to higher bioavailability.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- Often marketed at 1-2 grams per serving, compared to the typical 3-5 grams for creatine monohydrate, due to claims of higher potency.
- Suggested range
- 1-3 g daily
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 Ethyl Ester
Less stable and less effective than creatine monohydrate; rapidly converts to cr...
Creatine gluconate
Creatine glutamine
Creatine HCL
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)
870-62-2
Formula
C4H9N3O2·HCl
Physical properties
Typically a white, crystalline powder. Highly soluble in water compared to creatine monohydrate. Stable in dry form but creatine in solution can degrade to creatinine over time, especially in heat or acidic conditions.
How it’s made
Produced synthetically through a chemical reaction between creatine and hydrochloric acid, followed by purification and crystallization. Industrial synthesis typically involves reacting sarcosine (or its sodium salt) with cyanamide.