Are there any beneficial effects of taking Creatine with Glucose or Protein?
Creatine retention can be augmented when it is consumed along with simple carbohydrates, such as Glucose, compared to Creatine alone. This increased absorption has been attributed to insulin mediated stimulation of the Creatine transporter. However, large amounts of carbohydrate (~100 g) or combinations of carbohydrate (47 g) and Protein (50 g) are necessary to significantly improve uptake. These large doses of carbohydrate are difficult to palate and potentially hazardous to diabetics or those with glucose intolerance. A recent study suggests that adding alpha-Lipoic Acid can reduce the amount of Carbohydrates needed. 25 g Dextrose and alpha-Lipoic Acid (250 mg) resulted in greater muscle Creatine accumulation than Creatine intake alone, or Creatine plus 25 g Dextrose.
