Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium
Also known as: Creatine Phosphate Sodium, Phosphocreatine Sodium, Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium
Overview
Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium is a synthetic derivative of creatine, chemically related to phosphocreatine, a natural high-energy phosphate reservoir in muscle and cardiac tissue. Unlike naturally occurring creatine, this form is engineered to potentially offer improved bioavailability and efficacy. Primarily investigated as a therapeutic agent for cardiac conditions, particularly viral myocarditis, it functions by mimicking the role of phosphocreatine in cellular energy metabolism. While creatine monohydrate is extensively researched for sports performance, Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium has fewer but emerging studies, with a notable systematic review supporting its use in clinical settings. Its application as an ergogenic aid in sports nutrition is less established, with limited direct evidence.
Benefits
Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium has demonstrated significant clinical benefits, particularly in the treatment of viral myocarditis. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs involving 1,116 patients showed it significantly improved overall efficacy (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.22, 95% CI 1.15–1.28, p < 0.00001) and reduced cardiac injury biomarkers like troponin I and creatine kinase isoenzyme. This indicates a robust, statistically significant improvement in clinical outcomes for myocarditis patients. While potential ergogenic effects similar to other creatine forms are hypothesized, direct evidence for its efficacy in sports performance for healthy individuals is sparse. The primary evidence-based benefit is currently limited to patients with viral myocarditis, with benefits observed over treatment courses of weeks.
How it works
Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium functions primarily as a high-energy phosphate donor. Upon administration, it is believed to replenish adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in muscle and cardiac cells through the creatine kinase reaction. This mechanism enhances cellular energy metabolism, particularly during periods of high energy demand or cellular stress, such as in cardiac injury. By increasing phosphocreatine stores, it helps buffer ATP levels, supporting cellular function in muscular and cardiac tissues. It is suggested to have improved solubility and bioavailability compared to creatine monohydrate, potentially leading to more efficient uptake and utilization, though direct comparative pharmacokinetic data are limited.
Side effects
Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium is generally considered safe at recommended therapeutic doses, with systematic reviews reporting no serious adverse effects in its clinical use for viral myocarditis. Specific data on common side effects for this particular form are scarce, but extrapolating from other creatine forms, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a possibility. Uncommon or rare side effects are not well documented. No major drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when combined with nephrotoxic drugs or in individuals with pre-existing renal impairment, similar to general creatine recommendations. Contraindications are not well defined but likely mirror those of creatine monohydrate, suggesting avoidance in severe kidney disease or during pregnancy without medical supervision. Safety in pregnant women, children (outside the context of myocarditis treatment), or the elderly has not been fully established.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Creatine Ester Phosphate Sodium are not well standardized, particularly for sports nutrition applications. In clinical studies for viral myocarditis, doses were consistent with therapeutic phosphocreatine administration, but exact protocols varied. For general creatine supplementation, doses typically range from 3 to 5 grams per day for creatine monohydrate, but specific recommendations for this ester phosphate form may differ due to potential differences in bioavailability. The maximum safe dose is unknown, as no toxicity has been reported at therapeutic doses in myocarditis studies. In clinical settings, timing aligns with treatment protocols. This form is usually administered as a sodium salt, and its enhanced solubility may contribute to improved absorption compared to creatine monohydrate. No specific cofactors are required, but adequate hydration is generally recommended with creatine supplementation.
FAQs
Is creatine ester phosphate sodium more effective than creatine monohydrate?
Clinical data support its efficacy in treating myocarditis, but direct comparisons for athletic performance are lacking, so superiority for general use is not established.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data are limited; short-term clinical use in myocarditis patients appears safe, but more research is needed for extended use.
Can it improve athletic performance?
Evidence is insufficient to confirm its benefits for athletic performance; its established efficacy is primarily in cardiac therapy contexts.
Does it cause side effects?
Minimal side effects have been reported in clinical trials; mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible but not well documented for this specific form.
How quickly does it work?
In clinical studies for myocarditis, benefits were observed within weeks of treatment initiation.
Research Sources
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0317498&type=printable – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (1,116 patients) found that creatine phosphate sodium significantly improved overall efficacy and reduced cardiac injury biomarkers (troponin I, CK-MB) in patients with viral myocarditis. It highlights the compound's therapeutic potential in cardiac conditions.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39854433/ – This PubMed entry corresponds to the Wang et al., 2025 meta-analysis, reinforcing its findings on the significant clinical benefits of creatine phosphate sodium in treating viral myocarditis, including improved efficacy and reduced cardiac biomarkers.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912867/ – This systematic review by Kreider et al. discusses various creatine forms, noting that creatine monohydrate has superior bioavailability. It indicates that creatine phosphate sodium is less studied but possesses higher solubility, suggesting potential advantages despite limited direct comparative data.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mnfr.201600772 – This review by Andres et al. assesses creatine forms, stating that creatine phosphate sodium is considered safe. However, it emphasizes the limited data on its efficacy and safety compared to creatine monohydrate, calling for more extensive research.
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