Can Creatine Hydrochloride be an Alternative Molecule to Creatine Monohydrate for Athletes with Weight Gain Restrictions?

Abstract

This review will discuss the possible limitation of CrM (weight gain and body water retention)in its implications onphysical activity (PA),where bodyweight influences athletic physical performance. Thus, we will propose CrHCl as an alternative Cr supplement source for the athlete’s population, which has weight gain restrictions. Finally, we will indicate several research questions that must be Abstract: Creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation is not recommended for athletes with weight-gain restriction due to its significant water retention adverse effect. Because of this CrM limitation, creatine hydrochloride (CrHCl) was presented in the market. Compared to CrM, CrHCl possesses a different pharmacokinetic and, in theory, could not promote weight gain similar to CrM. However, several aspects related to the stability and efficiency of this new CrHCl molecule need to be investigated and compared to the traditional CrM. This article reviewed the experimental articles that evaluated both weight and body water gain after CrM or CrHCl supplementation. Also, we discuss the possible limitation on performance enhancement of CrM in physical activities where bodyweight influences performance. We will propose CrHCl as an alternative creatine supplement source for the athlete’s population, which has weight-gain restrictions. Finally, we will indicate several research questions that must be answered before the CrHCl recommendation for the population of athletes with weight gain restrictions.