Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate
Also known as: Creatine phosphate disodium salt tetrahydrate, Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate
Overview
Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate is a phosphorylated form of creatine, combining creatine with phosphate and sodium ions, stabilized as a tetrahydrate. It is structurally related to phosphocreatine, a high-energy compound naturally found in muscle cells that plays a crucial role in rapidly regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during high-intensity, short-duration exercise. This compound is marketed as a dietary supplement and ergogenic aid, with the theoretical aim of enhancing muscle energy metabolism, athletic performance, and recovery. While creatine monohydrate (CrM) is extensively researched and widely recognized for its efficacy and safety, Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate lacks the robust scientific evidence, specifically large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, to support its unique benefits or superiority over CrM.
Benefits
The primary benefits associated with creatine supplementation in general, and potentially with Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate, include improvements in muscle mass, strength, and power output, particularly when combined with resistance training. Studies on creatine monohydrate show typical increases in lean mass of 1–2 kg over weeks to months and strength gains of 5–15%. Secondary benefits may include enhanced recovery, reduced fatigue, and improved performance during high-intensity, short-burst activities. These benefits are most pronounced in young adults engaged in resistance or sprint training, though older adults may also experience improvements in muscle function. Meta-analyses consistently report statistically significant increases in lean mass and strength with creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001). However, there is no direct evidence confirming that Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate offers superior or even equivalent effects compared to creatine monohydrate. Muscle creatine saturation typically occurs within 5–7 days with a loading phase (20 g/day) or gradually over 3–4 weeks with a maintenance dose (3–5 g/day).
How it works
Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate functions by providing creatine and phosphate groups, which are integral to the phosphagen system. Upon absorption in the gut and uptake by muscle cells via creatine transporters (SLC6A8), creatine contributes to the replenishment of intramuscular phosphocreatine stores. Phosphocreatine then rapidly donates its phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to regenerate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell, during short, intense bursts of activity. The phosphate moiety in Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate theoretically could facilitate faster ATP regeneration. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that this specific form offers enhanced bioavailability or superior efficacy in ATP resynthesis compared to creatine monohydrate.
Side effects
The safety profile of Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate is largely unestablished due to a lack of specific, high-quality independent studies. In contrast, creatine monohydrate has a well-documented safety profile, showing minimal adverse effects when used at recommended dosages in healthy individuals. Common side effects associated with creatine supplements generally include mild gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., stomach upset, diarrhea) and transient water retention, which may lead to slight weight gain. It is plausible that Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate could exhibit similar side effects, but this remains unconfirmed. There are no known serious drug interactions or contraindications specifically reported for this form. However, as with other creatine forms, caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing renal impairment due to limited data on its effects in compromised kidney function. Overall, the absence of specific safety data for Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate necessitates a cautious approach.
Dosage
There are no established or scientifically validated dosing guidelines specifically for Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate. Dosing protocols for creatine monohydrate serve as the standard reference, typically involving a loading phase of 20 grams per day (divided into 4 doses) for 5–7 days, followed by a maintenance phase of 3–5 grams per day. Alternatively, a gradual approach of 3–5 grams per day without a loading phase can achieve muscle creatine saturation over 3–4 weeks. The optimal timing of creatine ingestion, whether before or after exercise, is inconclusive, with some evidence suggesting potential benefits for post-exercise intake but no definitive consensus. The bioavailability and absorption characteristics of Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate have not been rigorously compared to creatine monohydrate, making it difficult to extrapolate dosing recommendations. Upper limits and safety thresholds for this specific form are also undefined.
FAQs
Is Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate more effective than creatine monohydrate?
Current scientific evidence does not support the superiority of Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate over creatine monohydrate, which remains the most researched and effective form.
Is Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate safe to use?
Specific safety data for this form are lacking. While creatine monohydrate is generally safe, the safety profile of Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate has not been independently established.
How quickly can one expect to see effects from Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate?
The time course for effects is unknown for this specific form. For creatine monohydrate, muscle creatine content typically increases within days to weeks of consistent supplementation.
Should Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate be taken before or after exercise?
There are no specific guidelines for this form. For creatine in general, the timing around exercise may influence uptake, but evidence on optimal timing is inconclusive.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10503229/ – This meta-analysis, citing an RCT with 16 active men, found that creatine supplementation increased muscle mass and power output in sprint tests, but had no effect on aerobic metabolism. The study was limited by a small sample size and short duration, and the specific form of creatine was not detailed.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15502783.2024.2380058 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 89 RCTs concluded that creatine monohydrate is effective for increasing lean mass and strength. It highlighted a lack of evidence supporting the superiority of other creatine forms, including Disodium Creatine Phosphate Tetrahydrate, over creatine monohydrate.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912867/ – This comprehensive review emphasizes that creatine monohydrate is the most bioavailable and effective form of creatine. It states that no other forms, including phosphorylated creatine, have been shown to be superior in terms of efficacy or safety through direct randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.893714/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs in young adults investigated the timing of creatine ingestion. It suggested that timing might affect muscle creatine accumulation and strength gains, but concluded that the evidence is inconclusive due to a small number of studies and methodological issues.