Patented Dicreatine Malate
Also known as: Dicreatine Malate, Creatine Malate, Citrulline Malate, N-(aminoiminomethyl)-N-methylglycine Malate
Overview
Dicreatine Malate is a combination of creatine and citrulline malate, both of which are ergogenic aids aimed at enhancing athletic performance. Creatine is naturally found in muscle tissue and sourced from meat and fish, while citrulline malate is derived from citrulline, an amino acid prevalent in watermelon, and malate from fruits like apples. The combination aims to improve energy availability during high-intensity activities and enhance blood flow, thereby delaying fatigue. Individual components such as creatine are well-studied and support increased anaerobic performance and lean body mass, while citrulline malate shows mixed results for performance enhancement. Overall, dicreatine malate is considered a novel supplement with potential benefits, although specific research on its combined form is limited.
Benefits
Creatine specifically shows strong evidence of improving anaerobic performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities, with meta-analyses indicating large effect sizes (SMD, 2.26; p < 0.001). It also promotes lean body mass gains (mean difference, 1.10 kg) when combined with resistance training, which may favor males over females. Conversely, citrulline malate's effects are less impactful, with studies suggesting no clear strength increases in resistance-trained individuals, but potential benefits in maintaining high-intensity exercise (e.g., heart rate zones). Overall, creatine has a clear performance benefit, while citrulline malate's support is more situational and less consistent.
How it works
Creatine primarily increases intramuscular levels of creatine and phosphocreatine, enhancing energy availability during high-intensity exercises through the phosphagen energy system. Conversely, citrulline malate serves as a precursor to L-arginine, which is then converted to nitric oxide, potentially leading to improved blood flow and delayed exercise-induced fatigue. This synergy may enhance performance in activities requiring both anaerobic power (creatine) and increased vascular response (citrulline malate).
Side effects
Both components of Dicreatine Malate are generally safe when used as directed, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort (such as bloating and diarrhea) reported in up to 5% of cases for both creatine and citrulline malate. More serious side effects are rare; however, creatine may exert kidney strain in rare cases, typically under pre-existing health conditions. Individuals using diuretics should monitor their use of creatine for potential interactions. Citrulline malate may theoretically affect vascular responsiveness, potentially interacting with blood pressure medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those with cardiovascular issues, should consult healthcare professionals before use.
Dosage
Recommended dosages for Dicreatine Malate suggest a loading phase for creatine of 20-30 grams per day for 6-7 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 grams daily. Citrulline malate supports dosages between 4-8 grams daily, usually taken 60 minutes prior to exercise. It’s pertinent to note that while the benefits of creatine are typically realized with adherence to these guidelines, the optimal dosing for citrulline malate may require further definition based on individual response. Always ensure adequate hydration when using these supplements.
FAQs
Is Dicreatine Malate safe?
Yes, both creatine and citrulline malate are deemed safe for most people when used as directed, but individuals with kidney issues or cardiovascular conditions should consult a healthcare provider.
When should I take Dicreatine Malate?
Creatine can be taken any time of day, but pre- or post-exercise is often suggested. Citrulline malate is ideally taken about 60 minutes before exercise.
What benefits can I expect from Dicreatine Malate?
You may see significant improvements in anaerobic performance and lean body mass from creatine supplementation, while citrulline malate may help delay fatigue during high-intensity workouts, though effects can vary.
Will Dicreatine Malate help my strength gains?
Creatine has robust evidence supporting its role in enhancing strength gains during resistance training, while citrulline malate has mixed results—primarily aiding endurance rather than outright strength.
Can I stack Dicreatine Malate with other supplements?
Yes, dicreatine malate is generally safe to stack with other supplements. However, be mindful of potential interactions, especially if taking medications affecting kidney or cardiovascular health.
Research Sources
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effects-of-Citrulline-Malate-Supplementation-on-in-Aguiar-Casonatto/72beb05eb46217bc6766aeb7a2c0a5588a2a2a33 – This systematic review indicates that citrulline malate supplementation has no significant impact on muscle strength in resistance-trained individuals. The complexities of its effects suggest further investigation into specific performance contexts.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30935142/ – A meta-analysis showing significant improvements in anaerobic performance through creatine supplementation, especially for athletes involved in high-intensity, short-duration exercises, underlining its utility in competitive sports.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176406/ – This analysis highlights that creatine supplementation leads to increases in lean body mass when combined with resistance training, specifically noting that males respond more favorably than females.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35986981/ – Investigates the effects of acute citrulline malate supplementation, revealing mixed outcomes on overall exercise performance; however, it does suggest possible benefits within certain high-intensity heart rate zones.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/19/3235 – A review discussing various dietary supplements and their performances, noting the discrepancies in the efficacy of citrulline malate while strongly emphasizing the benefits of creatine on muscle and exercise performance.
