vitagro creatine and protein

[esco0101]

is this a good mix taking together right after working out or is it better to take seperate? if better taking seperate, can u recommend any creatine thats good to mix with whey after working out?

[Jean-Paul]

It's been a while since I took creatine, but when I did, I found it most effective to mix with grape juice. I think it works better with a little simple sugar. I don't think it would necessarily hurt to take with protein, but I don't know what kind of absorption/use you would get out of it.

There are some experts in here who know a ton more about this than I do, so I will turn it over to them from here.

Welcome to the forums!

[I. Kay]

JPs on the right track with the grape juice. There's nothing wrong with Vitargo creatine, but if it's what I remember it to be, then you're simply paying far too much. There's really nothing special about the carbohydrates they give you. Creatine is pretty cheap stuff, so you're paying a lot for these "special" carbs. When you finish this bottle, go to the grapejuice idea.

Now if it is just plain creatine on its own, forget everything I said above.

As for creatine and protein taken together: absolutely. No problem there.

The only difficulty you may have is dealing with the taste contrast of the Vitargo flavoring vs. that of your protein.

[esco0101]

what are good, "cheap" creatines out there then? I have heard ppl say though that vitagro, cell tech, cell mass are kinda overpriced. instead of grapejuice, what about gatorade?

[I. Kay]

Gatorade is fine too. The problem with the Vitargo/Cell-tech thing is that they're charging you for the "extras", not the creatine itself.

Go to GNC, Vitamin World, or even better yet, hunt online for some plain creatine. No added sugars, vitamins, etc. etc. Biochem makes a good micronized creatine that I prefer - it seems to digest better. But many people are perfectly fine with "regular" (not "micronized") creatine.

http://www.vitacost.com/Biochem-Spor...Creatine-325-g

[Trevor M.]

Originally Posted by Jean-Paul

It's been a while since I took creatine, but when I did, I found it most effective to mix with grape juice. I think it works better with a little simple sugar. I don't think it would necessarily hurt to take with protein, but I don't know what kind of absorption/use you would get out of it.

There are some experts in here who know a ton more about this than I do, so I will turn it over to them from here.

Welcome to the forums!

Creatine's absorption increases the same as protein, or the rate of absorption, when taken along with a high glycemic index food/drink. However, with concern to grape juice, 100% "natural" grape juice would not qualify, as the glycemic load is low to moderate. With that in mind, one would most benefit from the combing of creatine with a high glycemic load food/liquid. The reason as to why its best paired with a fast digesting carbohydrate for which of course is insulin!


However, With that all in mind, be sure not to ingest the creatine along with a high glycemic carb prior to exercise (min:1hour). The reasoning behind this has to do with hypoglycemia rebounding(among other things), not necessarily the creatine itself, fyi.

As to which brand, I like this.
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails....1&pid=535&at=0