When you live to lift, nothing compares to the feeling of the weights smashing down as you crush your latest personal record by grinding and fighting for every last rep. As one of the most proven strength ingredients of all time, creatine is your ultimate catalyst in this struggle for progress. It can increase strength, endurance, cell volumization and power output, and has been shown to boost anabolic hormones like IGF-1 while reducing muscle breakdown. But - are you getting enough to support your growth? Would you knowingly chance missing your goal targets by failing to refuel the source of your lifting and muscle-building superpower!? Max out your progress with CREAKONG CX8.
Our creatine powder has been jacking up lifters in nearly 100 countries worldwide, now CREAKONG CX8 raises the standards. This triple-threat formula combines 4 grams of highly absorbable creatine monohydrate, malate, and magnesium-chelate that have been turbo-charged with 4 grams of BCAAs, taurine and our Creatine Synthesizing Matrix (CSM) of precursor amino acids like arginine and methionine. This unique nutrient tech drives internal creatine and ATP production while boosting muscle protein synthesis to support your already amped power efforts. Y'know, like a supercharger forcing oxygen into a v8 engine! Don't leave your results to chance - accelerate your creatine game with CREAKONG CX8. More CREATINE, more POWER, more MUSCLE!
FAQ
HOW DOES CREAKONG CX8 DIFFER FROM CREAKONG? This product is an advanced version of our legendary creatine supplement. While both products provide 3 superior, rapid absorbing forms of creatine, the advanced CREAKONG CX8 version also contains a unique CSM (Creatine Synthesizing Matrix) blend of Methionine, Arginine, and Glycine which work to increase natural creatine production. It also contains added BCAAs and taurine for additional muscle building and performance support.
DO I NEED TO "LOAD" THIS CREATINE POWDER? Loading is the process of taking more or extra servings of creatine for a fixed period at the beginning of your usage cycle to ensure saturation levels in the body. Generally the loading process only needs to be used for standard types of creatine that have a harder time being absorbed by your body. Because we use only high-absorbing forms Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Malate, and Creatine Magnesium Chelate, you will not need to load the product or take additional servings to start enjoying it's benefits."
WHAT IS CREATINE? Creatine occurs naturally in the body and is a nitrogenous compound that helps supply energy to all cells in the body, but primarily muscle cells. It’s a readily available source of energy for muscle contractions used to enhance athletic performance. Creatine is the most studied sports supplement on the market and has been shown to increase maximal strength and endurance by as much as 15% and up to 30% in power output and energy release in short-burst/interval sports. Supplementing with creatine can lead to big gains in lean muscle mass when combined with proper training and diet.
WHAT EXACTLY IS CSM™ TECHNOLOGY? CSM stands for CREATINE SYNTHESIS MATRIX, which is a blend of 3 unique amino acids that support creatine levels in the body, and actually are the 3 aminos that ‘make up’ creatine as well; Glycine, L-Arginine, L-Methionine. Our Science Director Nelson Narciso explains the mechanism of actions: “Arginine and glycine are potent precursors of creatine. Interpretation of the quantitative data reveals that in the present experiments a minimum of 26 per cent of the amidine nitrogen of the newly formed creatine in the body was derived from that of the added arginine, and 26 per cent of sarcosine nitrogen of the creatine was derived from the added glycine. Glycine reacts with the amidine group of arginine to form guanidoacetic acid, and this is methylated to form creatine by shift of the methyl group from methionine. Methionine through this methylation helps form guanidoacetic acid, which goes on to help form creatine.”
I’M VEGAN – CAN I USE CREATINE? Creatine is made without the use of any animal ingredients. It is animal-free. Also, what most people should be aware of is that some creatine is already in the diet of those who eat meat. Thus, we routinely see when a vegan or vegetarian athlete adds creatine supplements to their diet, that they get the most improved power due to the fact they have not been routinely ingesting any creatine. Vegans often report terrific results when they add creatine into their program!
IS CREAKONG CX8 GLUTEN FREE? It is considered gluten free, as this formula is formulated without wheat (including spelt and kamut), oats, barley, rye and triticale. Notes about gluten-free claims that people should know about if they have Celiac disease: Gluten can be present in products that do not contain wheat. Gluten is present in wheat (including spelt and kamut), oats, barley, rye and triticale. Individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder among genetically susceptible individuals, experience adverse symptoms when exposed to gluten from any of the sources listed above.
WHY IS TAURINE ADDED? Taurine is a performance amino – it is regulated for example by Health Canada to “Help support cardiovascular function” in workout formulas and it has a long history of use in energy drinks like Red Bull®. What often others do not know or gets overlooked is its’ ability to help support creatine’s performance too. Taurine decreases creatine kinase (enzyme that breaks down creatine). Taurine dosing appears to be effective at ~ 1–3 g/day acutely across a span of 6–15 days (1–3 h before an activity) which may improve aerobic performance (TTE), anaerobic performance (strength, power), recovery (DOMS), and a decrease in metabolic markers (creatine kinase, lactate, inorganic phosphate). CREAKONG CX8 includes taurine in that dose range too.
HOW DO I TAKE CREAKONG CX8? Each serving delivers 8g of active ingredients, half of which is a triple-creatine blend anchored by the #1 creatine of all time, authentic creatine monohydrate. Lots of people have lots of ideas on how to use creatine, but without a doubt, the best way is to use it CONSISTENTLY at does of 3-5 grams per day. At 4g of creatine per serving, CREAKONG CX8 really only needs to be taken once per day, although we do know many heavy lifters will use 1-2 servings per day. (NNHPD; Hultman et al. 1996; Preen et al. 2003; Bemben et al. 2001; Volek et al. 1999; Vandenberghe et al. 1997)
DO I NEED TO PRELOAD MY CREATINE OR DO A LOADING PHASE? Not really, no. In the early days of creatine, doing a loading phase was all the rage, in part because that is what some of the early studies had done too. A typical loading phase involves taking 15-20g of creatine monohydrate per day, split over smaller does of not more than 5g per dose, for 5-7 days. Subsequent studies showed impressive results whereby the loading phase could be just 3-5g per day for 4 weeks. When you consider the overall data, a loading phase of 15-20g is typically not needed. So, our overall answer is NO – you do not need to do a loading phase, as CREAKONG CX8 does deliver a potent load of 4g of 3 creatines. (NNHPD; Okudan and Gokbel 2005; Preen et al. 2003; Bemben et al. 2001; Vandenberghe et al. 1997; Hultman et al. 1996)
DOES CREAKONG CX8 USE CREAPURE®? We’ve been buying Creapure® consistently since 1996, longer than any other brand. While our master formula does include Creapure®, the licensing agreement that all brands have to sign with the Creapure® manufacturer in Germany states that to use the NAME Creapure® on a label, no OTHER creatine can be in the formula. CREAKONG® has 3 creatines and therefore the unfortunate fact is, the Creapure® name and trademark are not allowed to be used on the label, even though the ingredient is part of the master formula.
ARE THE ADDED BCAAS VEGAN AND FERMENTED? Yes; our BCAAs are specified to always come from the fermentation of vegan sources. BCAAs also happen to perform more than just muscle protein synthesis, they are also shown to help support energy in training – studies have shown BCAAs to also act in part as type of lactic acid buffer, which makes it a great addition to any workout formula to help extend the reps we can get in any given set.
DOES CREATINE MAKE YOU RETAIN WATER? No. Creatine draws water from the body and forces water to go INSIDE the muscle, for it to do its work. There is a difference between cell volumization and water retention. Cell volumization (what we want) leads to more water inside the muscle cells, making the muscle bigger and firmer. Water retention though (the process that makes muscles look smooth) happens outside the muscle cells.
HOW DOES CREATINE HELP MUSCLE GROW? Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise. Intensity is necessary to achieve natural strength gains and muscle growth or increased athletic performance. Muscle growth takes place when the muscle has been overloaded. Without heavy sets, your muscle will remain small. Creatine promotes intense lifting by recycling the necessary energy molecule ATP. Creatine also buffers the development of lactic acid allowing for a more enduring workout. As you know, lactic acid buildup is one of the main causes of exercise-related muscle fatigue. (NNHPD; Okudan and Gökbel 2005; Brose et al. 2003; Preen et al. 2003; Bemben et al. 2001; Volek et al. 1999; Vandenberghe et al. 1997; Hultman et al. 1996)
What Is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)? ATP is called the “universal energy molecule” in biology classes. This is the organic compound found in muscle which, upon being broken down enzymatically, yields energy for muscle contraction. There is only enough ATP stored in our bodies typically to provide energy for approximately 10 seconds. For this energy system to continue, more ATP is required. As ATP gets used up for energy, it loses a phosphate molecule and becomes ADP (adenosine diphosphate; it has 2 phosphate molecules now, instead of 3). Creatine supplements boost the body’s levels of creatine phosphate, which gives up its phosphate molecule to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), thus recreating ATP (adenosine with 3 phosphate molecules). Increasing the muscle's supply of creatine phosphate helps increase the rate in which the body can supply ATP, and that ATP is what gives us energy. Creatine monohydrate has been shown to be one of the most effective ingredients ever, at providing this type of cellular energy.
WHO CAN USE CREAKONG CX8? Any healthy adult looking to take their training to the next level can use this formula. Read the label though on every supplement before use, as there will be some precautionary warnings. All responsible creatine supplements should have this kind of information on their label: “Consult a physician before using this product if you are taking any medications; are under a physician’s care; have any ailments or conditions; have any product, ingredient, or health concerns; are trying to get or are already pregnant; are breastfeeding; or have a kidney disorder.”
DO I NEED TO CYCLE CREAKONG CX8? Yes, you should cycle your creatine. It has been found to work effectively, if you use Creatine consistently for at least 8 weeks. Then take at least a two-week break before starting your next cycle of Creatine.
SHOULD I STILL TAKE CREAKONG CX8 ON DAYS THAT I DON’T TRAIN? Yes. For maximum effectiveness, your creatine supplement needs to be taken consistently everyday, even on the days that you don’t work out. The purpose of creatine is to help build up stores of creatine phosphate (CP), so that THAT molecule is ready for action when you do hit the gym. If you skip a day, you’re just reducing that amount of stored CP. Consistency is king!
IS CREATINE SAFE? Yes, it is for the average healthy adult. It is produced naturally by our bodies and hundreds of long-term studies conducted on creatine have confirmed that it’s considered safe for consumption. It has been widely used in sports supplements for nearly 30 years, with billions and billions of servings having been consumed safely.
IF I’M TAKING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, CAN I STILL TAKE CREAKONG CX8? If you’re taking any medications or prescription drugs, you should always consult your health-care provider before taking any supplements.
WHY DOES CREATINE HAVE A WARNING ABOUT KIDNEY FUNCTION? Great question. Creatine supplements may raise serum creatinine levels for the short term while on creatine, and that measured creatinine level mimics a kidney disease. If its use is associated with a high protein diet, the resulting increase in blood urea nitrogen will increase the confusion. Since clinical laboratories usually diagnose kidney health issues based on measuring serum creatinine (creatine can increase creatinine levels naturally), its elevation may lead to over-diagnose a chronic renal (kidney) issue. In general, Creatine supplements are safe and do not cause renal disease themself. Reports of kidney damage associated with its use are scanty. However, creatine supplements should not be used in people with chronic renal disease or using potentially nephrotoxic (rapid deterioration in the kidney function) medications. So unless you have a pre-existing kidney condition, creatine is not typically a problem.
IS CREATINE A STEROID? No, creatine is not an anabolic steroid or drug, or a WADA banned substance. It is a legal substance and naturally found in food sources. (WADA: World Anti-Doping Agency)
I’M IN NCAA SPORTS AND I HEARD CREATINE IS BANNED IN NCAA COLLEGE SPORTS – IS THAT TRUE? No – it is not true. We get this question a lot because there is a bit of confusion on the NCAA rules but here is the simple answer. NCAA rule 16.5.2 in essence allows supplements for personal use. The NCAA does not endorse or review any dietary supplements, and their stance is simply that the SCHOOLS (the team, the coaches) cannot supply certain supplements like creatine, to the athletes. But a supplement like creatine, is NOT banned if it is legally available to purchase at a typical supplement store. The athlete, the athlete’s family or friends, can go buy creatine and the athlete can use it, and that does not break NCAA rule 16.5.2. So again, the general rule is that the SCHOOL itself, cannot supply those kinds of dietary supplements. The athlete can use creatine so long as the SCHOOL did not supply it. (According to NCAA rules the schools can supply “only non-muscle-building nutritional supplements may be given to student-athletes for the purpose of providing additional calories and electrolytes, as long as the supplements do not contain NCAA-banned substances.”).
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE CREAKONG CX8? As a dietary supplement for adults performing high-intensity exercise, take one serving 20–30 minutes before workout with 8–16 fl oz (240–480 mL) of water.
