drtbear1967
Musclechemistry Board Certified Member
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Almost all creatine products are sold in powder form. The reason for this is simple: liquid products require a pH adjustment to keep fresh and stable. This means adding acid or base to keep a certain pH level. Creatine in water is semi-stable(depending on temperature) but eventually will convert to creatinine(bad for your kidneys). This reaction can be sped up by either acid or base in water, and naturally occurs in your body. For example, this pic shows the reaction with a base catalyst. Since most liquids are flavored with citric or malic acid, this will affect the pH of the liquid and can force the reaction of creatinine. Creatine ethyl ester was known as the worst Creatine bc it readily converted into creatinine. The ethyl ester part is known in chemistry as a "leaving group" which makes the reaction from Creatine to creatinine easier/favorable and lower in energy. Creatine stored in cold water, however can be stable for up to a few days before it starts to convert to creatinine. Take home: mix creatine in cold water and consume immediately or keep in fridge. Don't use Creatine ethyl ester and don't buy premixed liquid Creatine products(unless there is some type of buffering technology to prevent this). Also, monohydrate seems to work the best so don't waste your money on other versions
Almost all creatine products are sold in powder form. The reason for this is simple: liquid products require a pH adjustment to keep fresh and stable. This means adding acid or base to keep a certain pH level. Creatine in water is semi-stable(depending on temperature) but eventually will convert to creatinine(bad for your kidneys). This reaction can be sped up by either acid or base in water, and naturally occurs in your body. For example, this pic shows the reaction with a base catalyst. Since most liquids are flavored with citric or malic acid, this will affect the pH of the liquid and can force the reaction of creatinine. Creatine ethyl ester was known as the worst Creatine bc it readily converted into creatinine. The ethyl ester part is known in chemistry as a "leaving group" which makes the reaction from Creatine to creatinine easier/favorable and lower in energy. Creatine stored in cold water, however can be stable for up to a few days before it starts to convert to creatinine. Take home: mix creatine in cold water and consume immediately or keep in fridge. Don't use Creatine ethyl ester and don't buy premixed liquid Creatine products(unless there is some type of buffering technology to prevent this). Also, monohydrate seems to work the best so don't waste your money on other versions
