Creatine HCL Vs Monohydrate
Nutritional supplements have been in the market for decades and their popularity shows no signs of waning in the near future.
But who can blame the users when the supplements have proven to be so effective?
Fitness fanatics interested in body building in particular have a sort of soft spot for muscle building supplements of which Creatine-based products are among their favorites.
Below is a comparison between two great Creatine supplements: Creatine Monohydrate vs Creatine HCL.
Ingredients and content
HCL
It contains pure Creatine extracts bound to hydrochloric acid.
The binding is done to increase the Creatine’s absorbability once ingested.
This reduces the dose one needs to get the desired results.
Monohydrate
This form is based on Creatine bound to monohydrate molecules.
This improves the compound’s stability and reduces chances of loss through metabolism.
Dosage and timing
HCL
The fact that this form is bound to HCL makes it much easier to absorb in the stomach by lowering the pH of Creatine. This results in a lower daily dosage value of 1.5 to 2 grams.
It can be used as a pre-workout supplement to promote endurance and to prevent excessive catabolism in muscle tissue.
It can also be used after workout to repair damaged tissue and to promote anabolism.
Monohydrate
For the best results and least effects, Creatine Monohydrate should be taken once a day in 3-5 gram doses. You can use it as a pre-workout supplement.
This way, it saturates muscle cells with Creatine which is useful in formation of ATP for energy and also helps in protein tissue anabolism.
The Monohydrate supplement can also be taken after a workout as a post-workout supplement.
In this case, it helps repair damaged tissues and contributes to muscle building in the process.
Mixability
HCL
One of the main reasons why the Creatine HCL is so popular is the fact that it is super soluble.
This is attributed to the HCL contained in the supplement. A soluble supplement is much easier to take down with its pleasant watery consistency.
Monohydrate
This form is soluble in water but has been proven to have more creating particles left suspended than the Hydrochloric acid form.
This means that you will either have to use more water to get the same consistency or bear with the grainy texture as you swallow.
Effectiveness
Both supplements are based on Creatine and are therefore more or less equally effective.
Creating works by promoting anabolism, inhibiting catabolism, promoting ATP formation, increasing cell growth and repair.
The overall result is increased muscle volume and tone by both the Creating HCL and monohydrate.
The monohydrate variety however has been shown to be more effective than other forms including HCL whose research is not complete or conclusive.
Bottom line
After all is said and done, both are amazing products that will have you ripped in no time.
However, it is very important to remember that if you want a buff body it will take more than the daily dose of Creatine HCL or monohydrate.
You need to complement the supplements with body building exercises and a healthy balanced diet. Do that and you will be whipped into shape in no time.