KRE-ALKALYN SUMMARY
- Kre-Alkalyn is a patented product owned by All American Pharmaceuticals but lincensed for use in several brands.
- The pH corrected supplement boasts superior absorption
- Yields superior strength, VO2 max, and endurance training improvements
- Can be beneficial in optimizing lipid values
- Recommended dosage range lies in the 3-5g vicinity, consumed just about 20 minutes before your exercise session
- Possesses excellent safety profile and low association of side-effects
A SUPERIOR FORM OF CREATINE?
Creatine is a classic. From being one of the most researched supplements on the planet to being one that is well-accepted by the masses, no need to fix what ain't broke, is there?
Well, at least, that’s what you were made to probably think. However, creatine development is moving at an unprecedented pace, with one such derivative flying under the radar for over five years.
This version, known as Kre-Alkalyn, could be what you really need to see all that creatine promises to deliver.
WHAT IS KRE-ALKALYN?
Kre-Alkalyn is a pH corrected form of creatine, otherwise referred to as a buffered formulation. This form, designed to exist in an alkaline environment (between 7-14 on the pH scale, but most often existing at a pH of 12), is argued to be better in terms of bioavailability and subsequent absorption rate.
WHO MAKES KRE-ALKALYN?
Kre-Alkalyn is a patented ingredient belonging to the company All American Pharmaceutical. It was originally developed by Dr. Jeff Golini Of EFX Sports in 2004, who later sold the patent to the current patent owner.
The company holds patents to the ingredient in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand-Alkalyn is today licensed to be used as the active ingredient in several popular brands across the market.
HOW DOES KRE-ALKALYN WORK?
The mechanism of action of Kre-Alkalyn is virtually identical to that of standard creatine monohydrate, with a few differences.
Basic creatine works to increase the availability of phosphocreatine in muscles (PCr), which subsequently assists with the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP).
Thus, creatine functions largely as a phosphate group donor to enable the resynthesis of ATP.
Regular creatine monohydrate is severely restricted in what it can do, however, owing to its generally low bioavailability.
Much of this low bioavailability is due to creatine’s poor stability in the stomach, which accelerates at lower acidic pH. Kre-Alkalyn is not affected by acidic pH in the stomach and can facilitate more complete absorption.
KRE-ALKALYN BENEFITS
Kre-Alkalyn possesses all the benefits that standard creatine is known for, albeit possibly doing so a little more efficiently. these include:
- Increases in strength
- Supports muscle hypertrophy
- Improves resistance to fatigue
- Increases aerobic capacity
- Enhances muscular endurance
RESEARCH ON KRE-ALKALYN
Creatine is one of the most studied supplements of all time, which gives Kre-Alkalyn a leg up on the competition in terms of if already having a solid backing. let’s see what the research says about it.
INCREASES STRENGTH
Creatine has established itself as very effective for eliciting strength increases, but what hasn’t been studies much is how the various forms shape up when compared.
A small, yet noteworthy double-blind study was done involving 24 Olympic strength athletes. Subjects were split into groups administered creatine monohydrate, or Kre-Alkalyn at a dose of 5g daily over the course of 8 weeks.
At the end of the study, subjects one rep max was measured in the snatch, clean and jerk, high snatch, and squat.
An average strength increase of 8.39% was seen across subjects given creatine monohydrate, while the Kre-Alkalyn group saw an increase of 10.76% over baseline.
While the difference may not immediately seem significant, it does equate to Kre-Alkalyn helping to elicit 28% more gains in strength than creatine monohydrate. You decide.
BENEFITS ENDURANCE AND STAMINA
Sometimes, it’s not all about going hard, all the time. In many sports disciplines such as marathon running or cycling, you need to be able to maintain a decent intensity over an extended period of time.
For years, creatine has been overlooked in this regard. However, a comparative study referred by none other than the FDA was just what the doctor ordered.
This small study involved 12 participants who were randomly assigned creatine monohydrate or Kre-Alkalyn at a dose of 1.5g given one hour pre-workout.
The exercise involved cycling at intensities increased every 15 seconds, until failure set in. The creatine monohydrate group was able to go for an average of 55 seconds at a heart rate of 150.
The Kre-Alkalyn group managed 120 seconds at a heart rate of 145. What this signifies is the fact that Kre-Alkalyn helped improved stamina, endurance, and cardiopulmonary efficiency.
CAN IMPROVE VO2 MAX
For years regarded as the “gold standard” for endurance athletes everywhere, VO2 max still carries with it a lot of clout.
VO2 max is a measure of the volume of oxygen the body is able to utilize oxygen during intense exercise and shares a strong correlation with caloric expenditure.
One trial compared Olympic level soccer players who were given either 750mg creatine monohydrate or Kre-Alkalyn over the course of 4 months. The findings showed that Kre-Alkalyn yielded superior increases to VO2 max, which translates to improved athletic performance.
OTHER STUDIES
Kre-Alkalyn has not proved itself to be superior to creatine monohydrate when it comes to promoting skeletal muscle hypertrophy. It will still do so, just not at a rate considered superior to the monohydrate variety.
Kre-Alkalyn has also demonstrated utility in mitigating hypercholesteremia by lowering LDL and triglycerides.
KRE-ALKALYN DOSAGE
Kre-Alkalyn possesses the advantage of not requiring a loading dose as is often advised of creatine monohydrate and reduced dosing sizes.
Whereas a standard serving of creatine monohydrate may involve consuming 5g pre and/or post workout, Kre-Alkalyn just needs a modest 3g.
WHEN TO TAKE KRE-ALKALYN
Kre-Alkalyn is recommended to be taken about 20 minutes prior to your workout and does not require food or specific beverages for its absorption.
Kre-Alkalyn does not necessarily have to be cycled either, as there is no point of diminishing returns when using the supplement.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR KRE-ALKALYN TO WORK?
Kre-Alkalyn will start to work almost immediately, although one week is recommended for best effect.
DO YOU NEED TO CYCLE KRE-ALKALYN?
Kre-Alkalyn does not necessarily have to be cycled, as there is no point of diminishing returns when using the supplement.
KRE-ALKALYN SAFETY
The use of Kre-Alkalyn is non-toxic and safe for consumption by healthy male athletes. No association has been found between its use and organ-related issues.
Unlike the monohydrate variety which is associated with a fair incidence of gastric upset and nausea, Kre-Alkalyn’s buffered pH system seems to get past the issues that plagued its predecessor.
There were absolutely no findings of statistical relevance from Kre-Alkalyn consumption.
KRE-ALKALYN SIDE EFFECTS
No known side effects.
KRE-ALKALYN INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATIONS
Kre-Alkalyn does not possess any explicit medication interactions but may be contraindicated based on the small possibility that it can exacerbate kidney disease in susceptible individuals.
With that in mind, it is a good idea to stay away from medications such as specific antibiotics, painkillers, inclusive of Advil (ibuprofen), and medication that may suppress the immune system.
About the Author:
Matt Mosman (MS, CISSN, CSCS) is a research scientist, endurance athlete, and the founder of EndurElite. Matt holds his B.S. in Exercise Science from Creighton University and his M.S. in Exercise Physiology from the University of California. Matt and his family reside in Spearfish South Dakota, where they enjoy running, mountain biking, camping, and all the outdoor adventures Spearfish has to offer.
References:
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- https://www.rxlist.com/creatine/supplements.htm#Interactions
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- https://allamericanpharmaceutical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ClinicalStudyKreAlkalyn_vs_Creatine2006.pdf
- https://allamericanpharmaceutical.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ClinicalTrial_OlympicWeightLifters.pdf
- Rawson ES, Volek JS. Effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training on muscle strength and weightlifting performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2003;17(4):822-831. doi:10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0822:eocsar>2.0.co;2
- Casey A, Greenhaff PL. Does dietary creatine supplementation play a role in skeletal muscle metabolism and performance?. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(2 Suppl):607S-17S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/72.2.607S
- https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/improved-creatine-stability-and-ph-profile-for-krealkalyn-2155-6210-1000187.pdf
