Creatine HCL vs Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is a substance that occurs in the body naturally. It consists of three amino acids: methionine, arginine, and glycine. The amino acids are normally converted to phosphocreatine, a source of energy for the skeletal muscles.
However, the natural production of creatine by the body may be inadequate, especially if you want to gain lean mass.
Why Do People Take Creatine Supplements?
Creatine is the most used substance in bodybuilding supplements. It exists in the body as phosphocreatine which is normally used for protein synthesis.
Taking creatine supplement can be beneficial during intense physical activities such as weight lifting. It helps to increase the production of phosphocreatine, thereby increasing the rate of protein synthesis.
These amino acids are also good sources of quick energy. Creatine increases the natural production of energy by enhancing the level of cell activities during workouts. It can be used as an instant source of energy during short-intense activities such as sprinting.
Difference Between Creatine HCL Vs Creatine Monohydrate
Although these two supplements have the same general purpose, they possess distinct differences. The main difference between them is the level of solubility. Creatine HCL is normally sold as an athletic or bodybuilding supplement that’s highly soluble in water.
The molecular structure of hydrochloric acid makes it over 50 times more soluble than the Creatine with monohydrate. HCL helps to add stability and reduces the level of PH, making the supplement more acidic and therefore more soluble.
Besides that, Creatine monohydrate has a loading phase which Creatine HCL lacks. This is because monohydrate is less soluble hence it needs to be taken in large amounts during the initial phase.
Safety
In terms of safety, there is no contest between these two creatine supplements. Both of them are safe for people with or without pre-existing medical conditions. They all contain creatine which can be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood sugar levels, and certain neurological diseases.
Convenience
Experts suggest that you need just a teaspoon (2-3g) of creatine HCL per day. On the other hand, you need at least 15g of the monohydrate during the loading phase and then around 5g daily to ensure that your muscles are well-saturated.
Effectiveness
Research studies show that HCL has the ability to low the PH level of creatine. The high level of acidity helps to enhance the supplement’s solubility. When Creatine HCL is mixed with liquids such as water, it dissolves instantly without leaving sediments. This means that it’s highly absorbable.
The downside of this is that the body may end up getting dehydrated very quickly. However, consumer reviews indicate that creatine HCL is a great pre-workout supplement because it increases energy production, preserves lean mass, and enhances endurance.
On the other hand, creatine monohydrate has proven to be effective in promoting lean muscle mass development as well as strength. There are numerous studies as well as consumer reviews which indicate that monohydrate has the ability to enhance the development of lean muscles and recovery.
For this reason, it’s a great post-workout drink. However, the downside of using monohydrate is that it may leave residues along the digestive tract, leading to digestive discomforts.
Cost
If you are looking for a cheaper supplement between these two products, then you need to purchase the supplement with monohydrate. Even though creatine HCL is expensive, it compensates for that with lower effective volumes per servings.
Final Thoughts
So, which supplement between Creatine HCL and Creatine Monohydrate is the best? The truth is that these two products have almost similar benefits. Both of them are effective for bodybuilding. Taking HCL or Monohydrate helps to enhance the development of lean mass and increase athletic performance.
However, Creatine HCL is much better in terms of functionality. This supplement works just like Creatine Monohydrate and can increase muscle size and strength. What makes it stand out is its high solubility as well as the faster absorption rate.
In addition to that, Creatine HCL helps to lower the side effects which are associated with creatine monohydrate.
