What is Creatine?
Creatine is one of the most well-researched and effective supplements for increasing strength, muscle mass, and performance. It is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in foods like red meat and fish. However, supplementation ensures your muscles have a readily available energy source to power through high-intensity workouts.
The Gold Standard: Creatine Monohydrate
What is Creatine Monohydrate?
Creatine Monohydrate is the most widely used and studied form of creatine. It has been proven to increase muscle mass, improve exercise performance, and support cognitive function.
Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate:
Proven Effectiveness – Backed by hundreds of scientific studies.
Cost-Effective – Most affordable form of creatine.
Highly Bioavailable – Easily absorbed by the body.
Muscle Hydration – Helps pull water into muscle cells for a fuller look.
ATP Production – Enhances energy output during intense training.
Creatine HCL: A Newer Alternative
What is Creatine HCL?
Creatine Hydrochloride (Creatine HCL) is a more recent form of creatine that binds the molecule to hydrochloric acid. This formulation claims to offer better solubility and absorption compared to monohydrate.
Benefits of Creatine HCL:
- Increased Solubility – Dissolves more easily in water.
- Reduced Bloating – Some users report less water retention compared to monohydrate.
- Smaller Doses Required – Due to enhanced absorption, lower doses may be effective.
Creatine Monohydrate vs. Creatine HCL: Which One Should You Choose?
Effectiveness
Both forms support strength and performance, but Creatine Monohydrate has decades of research backing its effectiveness, while HCL has limited studies in comparison.
Absorption & Solubility
Creatine HCL is more soluble in water, which may make it easier to digest for those who experience bloating with monohydrate. However, monohydrate’s absorption can be improved by simply taking it with food or warm water.
Creatine Monohydrate is the most widely used and studied form of creatine. It has been proven to increase muscle mass, improve exercise performance, and support cognitive function.
Cost Comparison
Creatine Monohydrate is significantly cheaper and available in larger quantities, making it the better option for budget-conscious consumers.
Dosage
Creatine Monohydrate: Standard dose is 3-5g per day.
Creatine HCL: Due to better solubility, a smaller dose of 1-2g per day is typically recommended.
Which One is Right for You?
If you want the most researched and cost-effective option → Go with Creatine Monohydrate.
If you have digestive issues with monohydrate → Try Creatine HCL.
If budget is a concern → Creatine Monohydrate is the better value.
Final Verdict
Creatine Monohydrate remains the gold standard due to its overwhelming scientific support, affordability, and effectiveness. While Creatine HCL may offer benefits for those with digestive sensitivities, it lacks the extensive research backing monohydrate.
Where to Buy High-Quality Creatine
When choosing a creatine supplement, opt for 100% pure, lab-tested Creatine Monohydrate from a trusted brand. Look for third-party testing certifications to ensure quality and purity.
Related Articles:
Best Time to Take Creatine for Maximum Absorption
- 5 Tips for faster recovery
- Unlocking the Power of Glutamine for Performance Athletes and Bodybuilders
- Boost Your Athletic Performance with These Effective Workout Tips
FAQ
1. Does Creatine Cause Water Retention? Yes, but primarily inside muscle cells, which enhances muscle fullness and strength.
2. Can I Mix Creatine with Protein? Yes! Creatine and protein work synergistically to support muscle growth.
3. Should I Cycle Creatine? No, cycling is unnecessary as long as you take the recommended daily dose.
4. Is Creatine Safe? Yes, extensive research confirms creatine is safe for long-term use.
By incorporating Creatine Monohydrate into your routine, you’ll experience enhanced performance, faster recovery, and improved strength—all without breaking the bank!
-Jon Klipstein
"Before launching our Creatine products, I had the same questions as we went back and forth on what would be the best source of Creatine to offer our customer base. After lengthy R&D, plus internal research we made a decision based on what we felt would be best for our users. This blog is the high level overview of our findings."
Featured product
Pickup available at 11880 W. President Dr. Suite D
Usually ready in 24 hours
Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
100 serving / Healing Potion
11880 W. President Dr. Suite D
11880 W President Dr
Suite D
Boise ID 83713
United States
PRODUCT DETAILS
100 servings per container |
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Increased muscle and strength |
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improved recovery |
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could support brain health |
How do you choose the right Creatine Monohydrate?
1: While Creatine Monohydrate is the most popular version, there are differences in Creatine Monohydrate. If you are worried about stomach sensitivity, we recommend taking a Micronized Creatine Monohydrate. Micronized meaning it has been broken down into smaller particles to improve solubility.
2: Is 3rd Party testing important to you? Are you a drug tested athlete, or concerned about cross contaminents making their way into your products? The only way to ensure you are getting exactly what is on the label, without any traces of potential banned ingredients is to choose a product that is 3rd party tested.
3: How do you want to take your creatine? Stack it with your preworkout or EAAs? Then a non-flavored one would be a great opton. If you want to take Creatine by itself, we recommend a flavored version.
Video
Did you know you can now get Flavored Creatine through UXO Supplements?
With the increased popularity and ever evolving studies on the benefits of Creatine, we decided to give you options. With the unflavored version, you need to be able to mix it with something to mask the bitterness of the raw ingredient. Now you can take Creatine by itself with one of our flavored versions. More will be coming as we continue to grow.
Creatine Monohydrate Pros and Cons
CONS |
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Not as soluble as HCL |
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Causes GI Distress with a small % of population |
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Lessons from Combat That Can Transform Your Gym Game
I’ll admit it—when I was a young Soldier, a lot of the physical tasks we had to do in training seemed unecessary. Dragging a 200-lb dummy under barbed wire? Hauling a rucksack that felt heavier than I did? Sprinting in full gear during the middle of the night? At the time, I thought, How does this apply to real life?
But when it came time for combat, those “unecessary” drills saved lives. Every task, as grueling as it was, prepared us for real combat scenarios.
1. The Task: Dragging a 200-lb Dummy Through the Mud
At the time, I thought it was just busy work, or the command just wanted to see us suffer. But that training built functional strength and endurance—skills I relied in Afghanistan.
Your Gym Lesson:
In the gym, focus on functional strength. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about building real-world power. Incorporate compound lifts like deadlifts and rows to simulate the kind of strength you’d need in a real-world scenario.
2. The Task: Rucking for 24 miles
I’ll never forget the blisters, bloodied feet, and backaches from those long marches. I hated every step. But when missions demanded us to move quickly and carry gear, I understood why we trained that way. They push you past the point of giving up, past the point of listening to the voices in your head and pushing your body forward.
Your Gym Lesson:
Endurance training is key. Whether it’s a long gym session or just daily life, your ability to keep going is what makes the difference. At a certain point, training becomes more mental than physical. You need to be able to push past that limit and challenge yourself to see what you are truly capable of.
Solution: Fuel your recovery with Post ISO Protein. After grueling sessions, it
3. The Task: Sprinting in Full Gear
Sprinting in boots and 50 pounds of gear? Ridiculous. "This cannot be good on my knees, why are we doing this?" But when you’re running for cover, every second counts. Those sprints weren’t just about speed—they trained me to focus under stress, remove the "little bitch" from the equation and being prepared for whatever action came our way.
Your Gym Lesson:
Moments of discomfort are what make you better. That discomfort is what builds more muscle, character, and will power. Nothing in life is easy . . . And the only way to reach your lofty fitness goals is to push harder now than you did yesterday. Growth takes time, patience, and determination.
Military training taught me that preparation beats panic every time. The same applies in the gym: every rep, every set, and every workout prepares you to handle whatever life throws at you.
If you’re ready to train with purpose, we’ve got the tools to help you get there. Recovery and nutrition are vital to keeping your body primed and ready for intense training. You need to have your diet dialed in, hydration, plenty of sleep, and of course some supplements are more vital than others. During my time in the military I found that supplementing with Creatine and a quality Protein, helped me with performance and keeping my body fueled for our PT sessions. We designed our Protein and Creatine to meet those harsh demands. Safe, effective, and 3rd party tested for consumer peace of mind.
P.S. In combat, training wasn’t optional—it was survival. In the gym, it’s about thriving. Start today.
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