MM Supplements’ innovative creatine

As industry leaders, we innovate by developing the MM Supplements brand and adding Creapure® to our creatines. Thanks to the popularity of our products and the strong relationship-building work that the MASmusculo team has carried out with research and development, we have signed a collaboration agreement with AlzChem Trostberg GmbH, owner of the Creapure® brand, thereby guaranteeing the quality of our raw materials when developing creatine formulas. AlzChem, the leading manufacturer of high-quality creatine monohydrate, has successfully demonstrated through a voluntary GRAS notification that the use of its own-produced creatine monohydrate under the Creapure® brand in food is safe.

“GRAS” means “Generally Recognized as Safe.”

The conclusion is based on all available data on creatine in relation to the controlled manufacturing process, as well as the high quality of AlzChem’s own-produced creatine monohydrate product under the Creapure® brand. For us, it is an honor to work with this great company, which enables us to offer a versatile ingredient that complies with international regulations regarding its safety and effectiveness.

The background of Creapure®

In accordance with the standard GRAS notification procedure, AlzChem had submitted extensive documentation to the FDA. The scientific information and the precisely controlled manufacturing process were then evaluated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not raise any questions, which means that AlzChem's own-manufactured creatine monohydrate can be safely used in foods under the Creapure® brand, for example in:

• Energy drinks,
• Energy bars
• Meal replacement bars
• Protein powders,
• Meat substitute products, and
• Powdered drink mixes.

As a leading manufacturer of high-quality creatine monohydrate, AlzChem continuously strives to innovate in quality. The GRAS status of its own-manufactured creatine monohydrate under the Creapure® brand opens up new possibilities for its use. This includes the development of special foods to optimize the diets of vegetarians and vegans for a healthy life.

But what is Creapure®?

Creapure® is an affordable form of very high-quality creatine that, compared with its alternatives, has by far been the subject of the most scientific studies, demonstrating that it is safe and effective.

Not all creatine supplements have the same strict manufacturing standards as Creapure®.

Creapure® is manufactured exclusively through the synthesis of two of its compounds: sodium sarcosinate and calcium cyanamide. The raw materials and intermediate products are not derived from animal or plant products; therefore, it is of pharmaceutical grade. In addition, it is produced in accordance with Jewish and Muslim dietary regulations and is certified Kosher and Halal. As creatine in monohydrate form, it is ultimately a complete product for increasing performance and strength. Although high-quality creatine products exist, Creapure®'s pharmaceutical-grade quality seal not only guarantees compliance with standards regarding its high degree of purity, but also inspires confidence and builds anticipation among users who regard it as one of the best, or the best, on the market. Today, thanks to EU endorsement, MM Supplements creatine products will be able to receive this recognition through these quality seals. It is an effective product for sports, whether bodybuilding, powerlifting, endurance activities, or other disciplines.

Creapure® symbolizes very high qualitythat's the key

How Creapure® is manufactured

AlzChem is a globally active specialty chemicals company that is predominantly one of the market leaders in its fields of activity, with products offering attractive solutions for a variety of different applications. In this industrial context, the careful selection of raw materials, manufacturing in accordance with GMP standards, and precise analytical control ensure products of the highest purity. Creapure® is the brand of creatine monohydrate manufactured in Germany by AlzChem Trostberg GmbH at its facility located in Trostberg, Bavaria. The product is developed at a specially designed facility that sets the highest standards in terms of quality, purity, and safety, supported by established German protocols adapted to international quality standards. Thanks to technological processes, they have been able to produce a creatine recognized as “premium” worldwide.

Creapure® is carried out through a closed production chain for ultrapure products.

The manufacturing process:

• It is manufactured in a safe and enclosed space from the handling of raw materials through packaging, the final stage before distribution to customers.
• It follows strict guidelines at pharmaceutical and food-industry levels.
• Any source of contamination or interference is identified and eliminated throughout all processes, using a protocol known as HACCP (critical control point monitoring and potential hazard analysis).

In all these processes, every batch of products undergoes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) testing and other procedures.

Creapure® quality processes

In every process, the best and safest production method is used to minimize the risk of undesirable by-products. Due to this production process, it is impossible for Creapure® to be contaminated with harmful products. AlzChem Trostberg GmbH reduces the risk of its creatine containing two undesirable by-products: dicyandiamide (DCD) and dihydrotriazine (DHT). Furthermore, Creapure® is listed on the Cologne List and, using this procedure, it is frequently tested at the Olympiastützpunkt Rheinland laboratory, ensuring that it contains neither stimulants nor steroids. Production process: The basic ingredients (sodium sarcosinate and calcium cyanamide) pass through a particle filter that causes them to react chemically in a high-temperature environment until they are ready. During the aggressive cooling of the compounds, the mixture passes through a pressure filter to separate the solid mixture, which is creatine monohydrate, from the liquid waste… this entire process is carried out mechanically, with a level of quality control developed by the specialists at AlzChem Trostberg GmbH. Subsequently, the powder known as RAW is suspended in a type of water that is purified before being pressure-filtered again until it is ultrapurified. Finally, the ultrapurified powder (the isolate) passes through the atomizer equipment to dry it and achieve the required moisture level (<  1.0%), complying with the formula’s standards. The product sample undergoes various quality controls until the plant certifies and validates it as a product to be packaged under the Creapure® brand.

Creapure®’s proprietary packaging

In an enclosed, contamination-free area, the product is received through an accredited transport system that guarantees quality during handling. Throughout the process, the operators at AlzChem Trostberg GmbH follow a protocol that begins with disinfection and good practices to maintain the integrity of the creatine monohydrate powder. The brand’s proprietary technological equipment is semiautomatic, securing the 25 kg bags during filling and sealing until placing them in the boxes, which are also manufactured by the company. Each label contains:

• A batch number, with size, volume, and mass.
• A manufacturing, analysis, dispatch, and expiry date.
• Traceability codes that not only maintain the European standard but also facilitate reference both in distribution and in potential returns.

Creapure®, its quality seals

All manufacturing process steps are continuously monitored and documented, resulting in consistent, reliable, and unparalleled quality. Creapure® is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility specifically built for creatine production.

It has the highest standards in terms of quality, purity, and safety.

Additionally, Creapure® production is IFS FOOD certified, a quality standard recognized by the “Global Food Safety Initiative.” Analytical results:

• Analyses of all samples showed that Creapure® is the purest source of creatine.
• Regulators have been intensifying their oversight of nutritional ingredients, particularly with regard to impurities.

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) recommends that a creatine product should not exceed:

• DCD levels of 50 mg / kg
• DHT levels of 3 mg / kg

The chart shows the average results of 9 different Creapure® creatine monohydrate products and 20 different generic creatine monohydrate products, developed by EFSA scientists. The average amounts of DCD and DHT found in generic creatine products significantly exceeded the levels recommended by the EFSA; therefore, this test and the others are the specific basis for awarding the product quality seals.

Why use Creapure®

It is used to provide energy:

• As creatine helps transport and store energy in the body's cells, it is excellent for all sports, and since the human body excretes 1–2% of creatine daily, it must be replenished frequently according to the body's demands.

It is practical for endurance sports:

• To some extent, creatine does not act after 20 minutes, and since endurance events are long-lasting, it has another pathway of action.
• It may provide the necessary support to regenerate cells after a long-duration event such as endurance activities, offering antioxidant protection and reducing post-workout or post-competition cellular damage.
• Another benefit for athletes is that taking creatine can help stabilize cellular pH (acidity).

In all cases, regardless of the sporting activity, Creapure® balances the various energy sources, both anaerobic and aerobic. During strength and hypertrophy training:

• During training, muscles need energy to perform in the gym. This energy comes from carbohydrates or fats, passing through several metabolic processes.
• However, through creatine phosphate, creatine also plays an important role in supplying energy to the muscles, especially during effective sets after the final rest period.

Ultimately, in addition to being a key nutrient for vegetarians and vegans, in the case of bodybuilders and fitness athletes it provides precise energy for the muscles, boosting performance and supplying the necessary strength, while also reducing post-workout recovery times. In high-performance sports, it can be essential for cyclists, sprinters, swimmers, and footballers, who have taken creatine for many years with spectacular results.

The characteristics of Creapure®

Creapure® is the brand of creatine monohydrate produced by AlzChem Trostberg GmbH. The product currently available as an ingredient in MM Supplements meets the highest standards of quality, purity, and safety.

Creatine is not among the substances prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

A 5 g serving provides 58.49 kJ of energy and 4.99 g of the highest-quality creatine monohydrate, with 99.99% purity. Its fine powder is neutral (100% flavorless and odorless), highly dispersible, and has the best solubility on the market. It does not clump and leaves almost no sediment at the bottom of the container.

The benefits of Creapure®

• Quality: its quality seals provide the reliability required of a product of maximum purity and certified pharmaceutical grade; it also has excellent solubility and contains no excipients.
• Does not cause stomach heaviness: Regardless of whether it is taken before or after physical activity, there are no problems because it does not cause discomfort when mixed with water.
• Effective for hypertrophy (not just marketing): In a protein shake with beta-alanine, it guarantees muscle gain and accelerates recovery while controlling acidity. This can also be achieved with other supplements containing carbohydrates, glutamine, and BCAA.
• Increases strength and endurance: There is no doubt that high-quality monohydrate is phenomenal for increasing muscular strength and endurance. These athletic improvements have been demonstrated in hundreds of studies, including those conducted with Creapure®.

These benefits are guaranteed not only by independent scientific studies, but also by the technological capabilities of an EU-certified laboratory, which guarantees:

• Design and manufacturing processes,
• Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and,
• Hazard analyses and critical control points (HACCP).

Creapure®, the vegan/vegetarian solution

In general, vegans and vegetarians have reduced creatine levels. To support energy metabolism in this group, dietary creatine intake is essential. Increasingly, nutrition, sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental protection are interconnected. Therefore, an individual’s nutritional lifestyle plays a more important role than ever. As a result, the number of vegetarians, vegans, and so-called flexitarians (people who still consume meat and dairy but seek to reduce their consumption) is increasing. For a balanced diet, this group of consumers seeks plant-based alternatives and enriched/functional foods… this is where creatine comes into play…

• Creatine is a natural substance found in the human body that regulates energy balance.
• The highest levels of creatine are found in the muscles and brain, where large amounts of energy are needed.

A sufficiently high creatine store in muscle cells increases both muscle performance and endurance. The same applies to our brain, as it requires approximately 20% of the body’s total energy consumption. It is also relevant to the proper functioning of the immune system. Vegans need to synthesize all, and lacto-ovo vegetarians most, of their daily creatine requirements, since plant-based foods contain no creatine and, in this context, Creapure® emerges as a 100% vegan option to address this nutritional deficiency and enhance the well-being of millions of people who avoid animal-based foods.

How to use Creapure®

We recommend consuming creatine continuously according to your periodization; preferably, you may or may not take a break during the deloading phase.

• The recommended daily dose is between 3 and 5 grams for recreational preparation, or even 7 to 10 grams for high-performance athletes.
• You can split the dose before and after training.
• During or after training, it is better to combine it in a shake with amylopectin or dextrose to see results.
• It can be combined with a protein shake and beta-alanine during a bulking phase, or with L-carnitine and thermogenics during a cutting phase.

Continuous creatine consumption, both on exercise and training days and on rest days, promotes greater performance and muscle strengthening. Regarding whether or not to use a loading phase, it may be essential, although it is not essential… it is therefore considered semi-essential and in no way affects the kidneys, as is always claimed, as long as you follow the recommended doses or divide the doses into smaller amounts. Therefore, there is no reason to think that it will generate creatinine…. Several articles opposing the continued use of creatine can be found online, recommending instead the so-called “loading phase.”

• This phase begins with a higher dose at first, reducing it after five to seven days.
• However, these loading-phase strategies are unnecessary.

Studies show that after three or four weeks taking a dose of three to five grams daily, the body's creatine level is as high as it would be if higher doses had been taken at the beginning.

Creapure®, the best ingredient of 2021?

The company NutraIngredients, a global leader in research and news about dietary supplements, will present Creapure® with an important award for outstanding ingredient on May 12. In 2021, five new categories were introduced.

• The awards honor the best ingredients, finished products, companies, people, and initiatives in the industry.
• The awards ceremony will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 12, 2021, as a virtual event.

Obviously, we are hoping that AlzChem Trostberg GmbH receives the award for design and innovation for the development of Creapure®. The award increases a company's credibility, enhances the prestige and reputation of the respective company, and opens the door to future projects insofar as the independent expert jury considers the respective contribution outstanding.

Creapure® has the honor of being nominated as a finalist for the “Ingredient of the Year” award—fingers crossed …

It is time to choose Creapure®

Its quality standards and certification seals, along with the manufacturing processes that guarantee a very high-quality product, make this the right time to choose Creapure® for MASmusculo and thus have the best creatine monohydrate on the market. Pay attention to the Creapure® logo on the packaging:

• Doing so will make the difference between buying the best and purest creatine monohydrate and other lower-performing options.
• This does not mean that the other creatines are not high quality, but this version is definitely ahead.

From now on, MM Supplements products will bear the Creapure® quality seal on creatines and other formulas developed for the most demanding consumers, including our customers who are high-performance athletes. The seal from AlzChem Trostberg GmbH bears a tracking alphanumeric code, which not only makes it legitimate but also allows audits of the traceability process, thereby increasing the products' quality assurance. Thanks to the signed contract, the German company allows MASmusculo access to certified raw materials, so we expect to make it a bestseller in the creatine range in a short time.