What is tri-creatine malate? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

What is tri-creatine malate?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • Tri-creatine malate is a combination of creatine and malic acid.
  • Although both creatine and malic acid are natural substances, because they don’t exist in nature as a compound, tri-creatine malate is considered synthetic.
  • Tri-creatine malate allows the body to absorb more creatine while eliminating some of the bloat usually associated with taking creatine.

When adenosine triphosphate levels are increased, the muscle system responds by working harder. In order to increase your adenosine triphosphate levels, you need to have an adequate amount of creatine in the body.

Tri-creatine malate is a mixture of creatine and malic acid.

Creatine, when taken as a supplement, is notoriously difficult to digest. Some types of creatine, such as creatine ethyl ester, are believed to be absorbed more effectively.

Because tri-creatine malate contains malic acid, raised ATP levels and increased absorption rates occur.

Malic acid is also an important component of the adenosine triphosphate production process.

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How Is Tri-Creatine Malate Different From Other Types of Creatine?

Creatine monohydrate is the most common form of creatine supplement. Here’s a brief video showing how it works:

Most other creatine supplements are combined with amino acids, vitamins, and nutrients that help them to be absorbed more quickly.

Tri-creatine malate is a proprietary blend of creatine and malic acid, meaning that it is combined on a cellular level. This allows the body to absorb more creatine, which leads to higher ATP levels.

Tri-creatine malate is also believed to alleviate some of the bloating and digestion problems associated with other creatines.

Most tri-creatine malate brands are on the expensive side, mainly because of unsubstantiated claims made by manufacturers. There is no medical evidence available that supports claims of faster weight gains or increased muscle development.

How Much Tri-Creatine Malate Do You Have to Take in Order to Gain More Muscle Mass?

Because different tri-creatine malate supplement manufacturers use various ingredients in their products, dosages will vary. On average, anywhere from 10 to 15 grams of tri-creatine malate are necessary for one dose.

Some people take their tri-creatine malate supplements in the morning, afternoon, and evening so their bodies have the ability to produce more ATP. Tri-creatine malate works best when consumed on an empty stomach.

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Are There Any Precautions You Need to Take When Consuming Tri-Creatine Malate Supplements?

Too much creatine in your body can lead to a variety of adverse effects such as heart problems, reduction of kidney functionality, and dehydration. Although the medical implications can be quite severe, noticeable side effects do not always occur.

Your creatinine levels should be checked regularly if you take tri-creatine malate supplements.

Cancer patients, people with kidney disease, or anyone taking a prescription drug that could interact with creatine supplements should not take them.

Healthy individuals can take tri-creatine malate in moderation without risk. The ALS Association is currently conducting several research panels concerning the effects of creatine on Lou Gehrig’s Disease patients.

Can Tri-Creatine Malate Be Taken With Other Supplements?

There are many types of health supplements that can be taken to increase muscle mass, including creatine. However, arbitrarily taking creatine with other supplements in the hopes of increasing strength is not advised.

With increased creatine comes higher creatinine levels. When you have too much creatinine in your system, you can essentially poison your body. As long as none of the supplements you are taking along with tri-creatine malate include creatine or protein, you probably won’t have any issues.

Tri-creatine malate is safe to take with supplements like multivitamins. Fiber and other supplements used to improve digestive health can be beneficial when taken with tri-creatine malate.

Is Tri-Creatine Malate Natural?

Creatine itself is created in the human body, but it can also be found in some food sources. Tri-creatine malate is made by separating creatine from these foods and compounding it with malic acid.

Although it is created in a lab, tri-creatine malate is made with completely natural ingredients. However, scientists do not consider compounds to be natural unless they are found in nature, so in fact, tri-creatine malate is synthetic.

If you eat a diet that is completely free of animal products, you might not be able to consume tri-creatine malate. Although malic acid is found in most citrus fruits, most creatine sources are meat-based.

Does Tri-Creatine Malate Cause Bloat?

When tri-creatine malate is taken in large enough quantities on a regular basis, it can lead to bloating. Some users have complained of bloating around the midsection as well as bloating in the face and neck.

It is not clear if creatine supplements cause users to retain extra fluid, but heightened blood creatinine levels can cause water retention.

If you experience moderate or severe bloating while taking tri-creatine malate, you should discontinue using it immediately. Since there is a connection between retaining fluid and elevated creatinine levels, your kidneys can suffer irreparable damage if your condition is not properly assessed in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

– What are the benefits of creatine?

Creatine helps you build muscle. Research has shown that people with more muscle tend to have a higher metabolism, allowing them to use calories from food intake more effectively. In short, when you have more muscle you burn fat easier.

– Do I have to take supplements?

Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.

– Are supplements safe?

Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.

  What supplements do I need to take?

No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.

As with any supplement, don’t forget that adding it to your diet is just one part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To stay active and fit all year long, check out our PRO Plan and see how we can help you today!

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