Monday, May 12, 2008

What is Creatine Ethyl Ester (CE2)?

Creatine ethyl ester, also known as CE2, CEE, creatine ester, is a derivative of the incredibly popular bodybuilding supplement creatine. Millions of people take creatine supplements as creatine has been shown in studies to significantly increase energy, strength, mass (muscle size), and reduce recovery time after workouts. Creatine has also been shown to be safe, cementing its reputation as a super bodybuilding supplement.

The most commonly sold form of creatine is creatine monohydrate. However, creatine in its monohydrate form is absorbed poorly by the body. Users must take relatively large doses of creatine monohydrate, only to have a small portion of it effectively absorbed by the body's cells. The remaining creatine sits unused in the water outside of the cells' walls, possibly contributing to "creatine bloat." Creatine bloat is the side effect most creatine monohydrate users experience in which they feel bloated with excess water while taking creatine.

Why the "Ethyl Ester"?

Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (CEE or CE2) aims to solve the problems of creatine monohydrate. Essentially, CEE is creatine monohydrate with an ester compound attached. The ester component allows the creatine to be more easily absorbed by fat tissues, which in turn helps the creatine to be more easily and efficiently absorbed by the body's cells.

More efficient absorption means that smaller dosages of creatine ethyl ester are needed. This, theoretically, decreases or even eliminates many of the negative side effects of creatine monohydrate, while maximizing the positive effects of creatine.

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