Creatine-CV, 300 grams

Creatine is one of the most popular, most thoroughly researched and most effective nutrients for athletes

What is far less well known, however, is that a combination of creatine and muscle-strengthening exercises can also increase muscle strength in people over the age of 55.  Maintaining a high level of muscle strength is of great importance for healthy ageing. It is useful that creatine can make a contribution, in addition to regular exercise, which is of course the most important factor. To achieve the positive effect, at least 3 grams of creatine must be taken daily.
Due to the widespread use of creatine, there are many suppliers of creatine supplements. Unfortunately, the quality of the creatine supplied is not always optimal.  Vitals has therefore chosen Creavitalis® – a high-purity creatine monohydrate from the German manufacturer Alzchem. Creavitalis® is the micronised (refined) version of the widely known and highly acclaimed Creapure®.  Alzchem’s creatine-based products are therefore also the ones most frequently used in scientific studies – their purity and quality are unrivalled.

Effects of creatine

Creatine is a molecule that occurs naturally in all vertebrates. The name ‘creatine’ is derived from the Greek word ‘kreas’, meaning meat. Creatine plays a key role in cellular energy metabolism.  It is found primarily in tissues with high energy requirements, such as skeletal muscle. Creatine is classified as a semi-essential nutrient. The body produces creatine itself in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. However, this is not always sufficient to meet the body’s requirements (see Figure 1). Creatine must therefore be obtained through the diet. Foods generally contain creatine of animal origin. It is found primarily in meat, fish and poultry.  Consequently, people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet tend to have lower levels of this nutrient. Creatine in supplements does not come from animal sources, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans .

Within muscle cells, creatine can be converted by the enzyme creatine kinase into creatine phosphate (CP). The phosphate group can be attached to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), which leads to the the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – the primary source of energy in our cells. Taking creatine as an additional source of energy via CP is of particular interest for short, high-intensity activities such as strength and sprint training.

Creatine not only supports energy metabolism and thus contributes to physical performance, but it is also important as a dietary supplement for enhancing the effects of strength training on muscle strength.  For people aged 55 and over, it is particularly important to maintain muscle strength. For this reason, it is advisable to do muscle-strengthening exercises several times a week.

Micronised creatine (Creavitalis®) from Alzchem

The most common form of creatine found in dietary supplements is creatine monohydrate. This is the form that appears to be the most effective and is best absorbed by the body.  One disadvantage of creatine monohydrate is its low solubility in liquids. The German manufacturer Alzchem has developed a product called Creavitalis®, which is a micronised form of creatine monohydrate, to address this issue.  ‘Micronisation’ is a process in which particles are reduced to a size in the micrometre range (one millionth of a metre). This significantly increases water solubility, making life easier for the user.  Alzchem’s Creavitalis® boasts the same impeccable purity and quality as the tried-and-tested Creapure® and is just as effective. The powder has no taste of its own, which means it can be taken with water.

Suitable for competitive athletes, tested for doping

In accordance with the Dutch safety system for dietary supplements in elite sport (‘Nederlands Zekerheidssysteem Voedingssupplementen Topsport’, or NZVT for short), every batch of Creatine-CV is tested for doping.  The NZVT system, similar to well-known initiatives in Germany such as the Cologne List®, is aimed specifically at (elite) athletes who may be subject to doping tests, and offers at least as much assurance.  The system is based on a partnership between the Dutch Anti-Doping Agency, the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Federation, and the Dutch Association for Dietary Supplements.  Further details can be found at www.dopingautoriteit.nl/nzvt. Are you interested in a Vitals product that is not tested in every batch? Don’t wait – get in touch with us. Our contact details can be found on the contact page.

Permitted health claims

• it promotes muscle growth during explosive strength exercises*
• it increases physical performance during successive training sequences consisting of short, high-intensity exercises*
• it can be used by athletes when there is an increased need *
• in people over 55, daily intake of creatine can increase the effectiveness of strength training **

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
Creavitalis® is a registered trademark of Alzchem Trostberg GmbH, which was developed specifically for health and wellbeing products. Creavitalis® is a sister brand to Creapure®.

Ingredients

Creatine monohydrate.

Recommended intake

As a dietary supplement for adults, mix 1–2 level measuring spoons (3.4–6.8 grams) per day with approx. 200 ml of water or another cold liquid. Take preferably in the morning or immediately after training. A so-called ‘loading phase’ (taking 20 grams of creatine monohydrate over the first five days) is possible, but not necessary.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of the reach of young children.