Clear&Radiant

NPN:

80086932

Quantity:

100 SoftGels 

Product Type:

Vitamin A

Cautions & Warnings:

In case of accidental overdose, contact a physician or a poison control centre. Keep out of reach of children.

Background

Creatine is naturally synthesized in the human body from amino acids primarily in the kidney and liver and transported in the blood for use by muscles. Approximately 95% of the body's total creatine content is located in skeletal muscle. It was reported that skeletal muscle total creatine content increases with oral creatine supplementation, although response is variable. Factors that may account for this variation are carbohydrate intake, physical activity, training status, and muscle fiber type. 

Biogenique Structurally Active-Orthogenic (SAO) technology

Biogenique SAO technology formulates Creatine Powder with natural substance creatine monohydrate which is converted into creatine phosphate in the body. The creatine phosphate is required for synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that provides energy for muscle contractions. 
SAO designed Biogenique Creatine Powder helps to keep the body’s ATP pool filled. ATP is the immediate source of energy for muscles. Muscle fibers only contain enough ATP to power a few twitches, additional ATP is drawn from the body’s ATP “pool”. 
It also provides an “explosive energy” by maintaining a good reservoir of ATP. Having a good reservoir of ATP available helps to lift heavier weights for more reps by providing muscles with enough the fast-converting energy it needs for maximum performance. 

SAO Analysis

Creatine Monohydrate:
Creatine is involved in making the energy muscles need to work. It is naturally found in meat and fish, and also made by the human body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. People involved in intense physical activity, especially those limiting their intake of red meat, may have low muscle stores of creatine. Vegetarians and other people who have lower total creatine levels when they start taking creatine supplements seem to get more benefit than people who start with a higher level of creatine. Skeletal muscle will only hold a certain amount of creatine; adding more won’t raise levels any more. This “saturation point” is usually reached within the first few days of taking a “loading dose”. Several muscle diseases, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases, are associated with lowered creatine levels. 

Scientific Evidence

Enhanced muscle mass / strength

Several high-quality studies have shown an increase in muscle mass with the use of creatine. However, some weaker studies have reported mixed results. Overall, the available evidence suggests that creatine does increase lean body mass, strength, and total work. Future studies should take into account the effect of different individual fitness levels of study subjects. 

Enhanced athletic performance and endurance

It has been suggested that creatine may help improve athletic performance or endurance by increasing time to fatigue (possibly by shortening muscle recovery periods). It has been studied in cyclists, females, high-intensity endurance athletes, rowers, runners, sprinters (general), swimmers, and the elderly. However, the results of research evaluating this claim are mixed. 

GAMT deficiency

Some individuals are born with a genetic disorder in which there is a deficiency of the enzyme guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT). A lack of this enzyme causes severe developmental delays and abnormal movement disorders. The condition is diagnosed by a lack of creatine in the brain. However, there is limited evidence for the effect of creatine supplementation in this disorder. 

Heart disease

A preliminary clinical study suggests that creatine supplements may help lower levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood) in men and women with high concentrations of triglycerides. In a few clinical studies of people with heart failure, those who took creatine, in addition to standard medical care, were able to increase the amount of exercise they could do before becoming fatigued, compared to those who took placebo. Getting tired easily is one of the major symptoms of heart failure. One clinical study of 20 people with heart failure found that short-term creatine supplementation in addition to standard medication lead to an increase in body weight and an improvement of muscle strength. Creatine has also been reported to help lower levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is associated with heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

In one double-blind study, people with COPD who took creatine increased muscle mass, muscle strength and endurance, and improved their health status compared with those who took placebo. They did not increase their exercise capacity. More studies are needed to see whether creatine has any benefit for people with COPD. 

Muscular dystrophy

People who have muscular dystrophy may have less creatine in their muscle cells, which may contribute to muscle weakness. One study found that taking creatine led to a small improvement in muscle strength. However, other studies have found no effect. 

Parkinson's disease

People with Parkinson's disease have decreased muscular fitness including decreased muscle mass, muscle strength, and increased fatigue. A small clinical study found that giving creatine to people with Parkinson's disease improved their exercise ability and endurance. In another clinical study, creatine supplements boosted participants’ moods and they didn’t need to increase their medicine dose as much as those who didn’t take creatine. More research is needed in this area. 

How to take Biogenique Creatine Powder?

The general recommended dose of creatine monohydrate is 3-5g daily. There’s no general consensus on the best time of day to take creatine. Many people mix creatine powder with other supplements they’re already taking like whey protein. Creatine can also be mixed with warm water (improves solubility), fruit juice or caffeine-free tea. It’s important to note that Biogenique Creatine Powder should be prepared fresh when you need to take it. Do not pre-mix you creatine powder ahead of time. No long term studies have been conducted on creatine monohydrate so it’s generally recommended that you cycle it. An example of a creatine monohydrate cycle might be 8 weeks on and 4 weeks off. 

Safety

• Creatine supplements are not recommended for children or teens.

• Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

• Side effects of creatine include weight gain, muscle cramps, muscle strains and pulls, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, high blood pressure, liver dysfunction, and kidney damage. Most studies have found no significant side effects at the doses used for up to 6 months.

• Creatine monohydrate is generally safe when used at recommended doses. Remember that “less is more” when it comes to taking creatine. Taking more doesn’t mean it’s going to work better. Once your ATP pool is full, excess creatine is excreted (wasted) by the body. As creatine draws water from the body into muscle cells it’s very important that you drink adequate fluids when taking it. 

Interactions you should know about

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use creatine without first talking to your health care provider.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Taking creatine with these pain relievers may increase the risk of kidney damage. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

• Caffeine -- Caffeine may make it hard for your body to use creatine, and taking creatine and caffeine may increase risk of dehydration. Using creatine, caffeine, and ephedra (now banned in the U.S.) may increase the risk of stroke.

• Diuretics (water pills) -- Taking creatine with diuretics may increase the risk of dehydration and kidney damage.

• Cimetidine (Tagamet) -- Taking creatine while taking Tagamet may increase the risk of kidney damage.

• Drugs that affect the kidneys -- Using creatine along with any medication that affects the kidneys may raise the risk of kidney damage.

• Probenicid -- Taking creatine while taking probenecid, a drug used to treat gout, may increase the risk of kidney damage. 

Selected references

1. Branch JD. Effect of creatine supplementation on body composition and performance: a meta-analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2003;13(2):198-226.

2. Cramer JT, Stout JR, Culbertson JY, et al. Effects of creatine supplementation and three days of resistance training on muscle strength, power output, and neuromuscular function. J Strength Cond Res 2007 Aug;21(3):668-77.

3. Escolar DM, Buyse G, Henricson E, et al. CINRG Group. CINRG randomized controlled trial of creatine and glutamine in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Ann Neurol 2005 Jul;58(1):151-5.

4. Faager G, S;ouml;derlund K, Sk;ouml;ld CM, et al. Creatine supplementation and physical training in patients with COPD: a double blind, placebo-controlled study. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2006;1(4):445-53.

5. Groeneveld JG, Veldink JH, van der Tweel I, et al. A randomized sequential trial of creatine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2003;53(4):437-445.

6. Javierre C, Barbany JR, Bonjorn VM, et al. Creatine supplementation and performance in 6 consecutive 60 meter sprints.J Physiol Biochem. 2004 Dec;60(4):265-71.

7. Kendall RW, Jacquemin G, Frost R, et al. Creatine supplementation for weak muscles in persons with chronic tetraplegia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial. J Spinal Cord Med 2005;28(3):208-13.

8. McMorris T, Mielcarz G, Harris RC, et al. Creatine supplementation and cognitive performance in elderly individuals. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn 2007 Sep;14(5):517-28.

9. NINDS NET-PD Investigators. A randomized, double-blind, futility clinical trial of creatine and minocycline in early Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2006 Mar 14;66(5):664-71.

10. Pluim BM, Ferrauti A, Broekhof F, et al. The effects of creatine supplementation on selected factors of tennis specific training. Br J Sports Med 2006 Jun;40(6):507-11; discussion 511-2.

11. Roitman S, Green T, Osher Y, et al. Creatine monohydrate in resistant depression: a preliminary study. Bipolar Disord 2007 Nov;9(7):754-8.

12. Roy BD, de Beer J, Harvey D, et al. Creatine monohydrate supplementation does not improve functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005 Jul;86(7):1293-8.

13. Schneider-Gold C, Beck M, Wessig C, et al. Creatine monohydrate in DM2/PROMM: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. Proximal myotonic myopathy. Neurology 2-11-2003;60(3):500-502.

14. Skare OC, Skadberg, Wisnes AR. Creatine supplementation improves sprint performance in male sprinters. Scand.J Med Sci.Sports 2001;11(2):96-102.

15. Vorgerd M, Zange J, Kley R, et al. Effect of high-dose creatine therapy on symptoms of exercise intolerance in McArdle disease: Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Arch Neurol 2002;59(1):97-101. 

I)Creatine deficiency syndrome. A treatable myopathy due to arginine-glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency.

Source

Service de Neurologie and Laboratoire de Neurosciences, CHU Mustapha Bacha, Université d'Alger, Algeria. 

ABSTRACT

We report two sisters, aged 11 and 6years, with AGAT deficiency syndrome (OMIM 612718) which is the least common creatine deficiency syndrome. They were born full-term to consanguineous parents and had moderate developmental delay. Examination showed an important language delay, a progressive proximal muscular weakness in the lower limbs with Gowers sign and myopathic electromyography. Investigations revealed undetectable guanidinoacetate and low level of creatine in plasma and urine, characteristic findings of AGAT deficiency syndrome. Brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a markedly reduced level of creatine. Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GATM) gene sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation in exon 4:c.608A>C, (p.Tyr203Ser). Thirteen months after beginning the treatment with oral creatine monohydrate 200mg/kg/day, then 400mg/kg/day, there was a dramatic improvement in muscle strength with Gowers sign disappearance in both patients, and a mild improvement in language and cognitive functions. AGAT deficiency syndrome should be considered in all patients with language retardation and cognitive impairment associated to a myopathy of unknown etiology such that early diagnosis must lead to creatine supplementation to cure the myopathy and improve language and cognitive function. 

II)Effects of nutraceutical diet integration, with coenzyme Q10 (Q-Ter multicomposite) and creatine, on dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure.

Source

Pneumology Department, SS Annunziata Hospital, Chieti, Italy. stefanomarinari@alice.it. 

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: 

The protein-calorie malnutrition, resulting in muscle mass loss, frequently occurs in severe COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF), causing dyspnea, reduced exercise tolerance and impaired quality of life.The cause of this occurrence is an intake-output energy imbalance. A documented deficit of phosphocreatine and reduced mithocondrial energy production can contribute to this imbalance.Aim of this study is to verify whether a dietary supplementation with creatine and coenzyme Q10, important mitochondrial function factors, is able to influence this mechanism leading to a dyspnea reduction and improving exercise tolerance and quality of life. 

METHODS: 

55 COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure (in long term O2 therapy), in stable phase of the disease and without severe comorbidities were assigned (double-blind, randomized) to: group A (30 patients) with daily dietary supplementation with Creatine 340 mg + 320 mg Coenzyme Q-Ter (Eufortyn®, Scharper Therapeutics Srl) for 2 months whereas Group B (25 patients) received placebo.All patients continued the same diet, rehabilitation and therapy during the study. At recruitment (T0) and after 2 months (T1), patients were submitted to medical history, anthropometry (BMI), bioelectrical impedance, arterial blood gas analysis, evaluation of dyspnea (VAS, Borg, BDI, MRC) and functional independence (ADL), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life questionnaire (SGRQ). At 6 months and 1 year, a telephone follow up was conducted on exacerbations number. 

RESULTS: 

No significant difference was detected at baseline (T0) in the 2 groups. After 2 months of therapy (T1) the FFMI increased in the daily dietary supplementation group (+ 3.7 %) and decreased in the placebo group (- 0.6 %), resulting in a statistically significant (p < 0.001) treatment difference. Statistically significant treatment differences, favouring daily dietary supplementation group, were also seen for the 6MWT comparison. Group A patients also showed significant: 1) improvement in the degree of dyspnea (VAS: p < 0.05; Borg: p < 0.05; MRC: p < 0.001; BDI1: p < 0.05; BDI3: p < 0.03), and independence level in activities of daily living (p < 0.03); 2) improvement in quality of life in activity section (- 6.63 pt) and in total score (- 5.43 pt); 3) exacerbation number decrease (p < 0.02). No significant differences were found (end of study vs baseline) in group B. 

CONCLUSION: 

The nutraceutical diet integration with Q-Ter and creatine, in COPD patients with CRF in O2TLT induced an increasing lean body mass and exercise tolerance, reducing dyspnea, quality of life and exacerbations. These results provide a first demonstration that acting on protein synthesis and muscular efficiency can significantly modify the systemic consequences of the disease. 

III)Creatine supplementation in fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Source

University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: 

To investigate the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in fibromyalgia patients. 

METHODS: 

A 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted. Fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to receive either creatine monohydrate or placebo in a double-blind manner. The patients were evaluated at baseline and after 16 weeks. Muscle function, aerobic conditioning, cognitive function, quality of sleep, quality of life, kidney function, and adverse events were assessed. Muscle phosphorylcreatine content was measured through (31) P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 

RESULTS: 

After the intervention, the creatine group presented higher muscle phosphorylcreatine content when compared with the placebo group (+80.3% versus -2.7%; P = 0.04). Furthermore, the creatine group presented greater muscle strength than the placebo group in the leg press and chest press exercises (+9.8% and +1.2% for creatine versus -0.5% and -7.2% for placebo, respectively; P = 0.02 and P = 0.002, respectively). Isometric strength was greater in the creatine group than in the placebo group (+6.4% versus -3.2%; P = 0.007). However, no general changes were observed in aerobic conditioning, pain, cognitive function, quality of sleep, and quality of life. Food intake remained unaltered and no side effects were reported. 

CONCLUSION: 

Creatine supplementation increased intramuscular phosphorylcreatine content and improved lower- and upper-body muscle function, with minor changes in other fibromyalgia features. These findings introduce creatine supplementation as a useful dietary intervention to improve muscle function in fibromyalgia patients. 

IV) The effects of pre versus post workout supplementation of creatine monohydrate on body composition and strength.

Source

Antonio J, Ciccone V. 

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: 

Chronic supplementation with creatine monohydrate has been shown to promote increases in total intramuscular creatine, phosphocreatine, skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass and muscle fiber size. Furthermore, there is robust evidence that muscular strength and power will also increase after supplementing with creatine. However, it is not known if the timing of creatine supplementation will affect the adaptive response to exercise. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the difference between pre versus post exercise supplementation of creatine on measures of body composition and strength. 

METHODS: 

Nineteen healthy recreational male bodybuilders (mean +/- SD; age: 23.1 +/- 2.9; height: 166.0 +/- 23.2 cm; weight: 80.18 +/- 10.43 kg) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: PRE-SUPP or POST-SUPP workout supplementation of creatine (5 grams). The PRE-SUPP group consumed 5 grams of creatine immediately before exercise. On the other hand, the POST-SUPP group consumed 5 grams immediately after exercise. Subjects trained on average five days per week for four weeks. Subjects consumed the supplement on the two non-training days at their convenience. Subjects performed a periodized, split-routine, bodybuilding workout five days per week (Chest-shoulders-triceps; Back-biceps, Legs, etc.). Body composition (Bod Pod(R)) and 1-RM bench press (BP) were determined. Diet logs were collected and analyzed (one random day per week; four total days analyzed). 

RESULTS: 

2x2 ANOVA results - There was a significant time effect for fat-free mass (FFM) (F = 19.9; p = 0.001) and BP (F = 18.9; p < 0.001), however, fat mass (FM) and body weight did not reach significance. While there were trends, no significant interactions were found. However, using magnitude-based inference, supplementation with creatine post workout is possibly more beneficial in comparison to pre workout supplementation with regards to FFM, FM and 1-RM BP. The mean change in the PRE-SUPP and POST-SUPP groups for body weight (BW kg), FFM (kg), FM (kg) and 1-RM bench press (kg) were as follows, respectively: Mean +/- SD; BW: 0.4 +/- 2.2 vs 0.8 +/- 0.9; FFM: 0.9 +/- 1.8 vs 2.0 +/- 1.2; FM: -0.1 +/- 2.0 vs -1.2 +/- 1.6; Bench Press 1-RM: 6.6 +/- 8.2 vs 7.6 +/- 6.1.Qualitative inference represents the likelihood that the true value will have the observed magnitude. Furthermore, there were no differences in caloric or macronutrient intake between the groups. 

CONCLUSION: 

Creatine supplementation plus resistance exercise increases fat-free mass and strength. Based on the magnitude inferences it appears that consuming creatine immediately post-workout is superior to pre-workout vis a vis body composition and strength.