What is 'Six Point Creatine'?
'Six Point Creatine' is not a universally standardized formula but rather a brand-specific blend, most notably associated with the brand Bucked Up. The 'six point' refers to the inclusion of six different types of creatine, formulated to work synergistically. The core concept behind this blend is to provide a comprehensive creatine supplement that offers both immediate and sustained release, enhanced absorption, and improved bioavailability by combining several forms with distinct characteristics. While creatine monohydrate is the most proven form, the blend aims to leverage potential benefits from other forms, though the research supporting the superiority of multi-creatine blends over monohydrate is limited.
The role of creatine in the body
To understand what 'Six Point Creatine' does, it's crucial to first grasp the function of creatine in general. About 95% of the body's creatine is stored in the muscles, primarily as phosphocreatine. This phosphocreatine helps to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the body's main energy currency during high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting or sprinting. By increasing the body's stores of phosphocreatine, creatine supplementation allows for more rapid ATP production, which in turn leads to increased strength, power, and enhanced performance during exercise.
The six points of creatine explained
The specific blend found in 'Six Point Creatine' products typically includes several forms of creatine, each with a unique characteristic designed to enhance the overall effect. The Bucked Up formula, for instance, includes:
- Creatine Monohydrate: The most widely studied and proven form, it effectively increases muscle creatine and phosphocreatine stores.
- Creatine MagnaPower (Magnesium Creatine Chelate): Created by bonding creatine to magnesium, this form is marketed to increase ATP synthesis and improve bioavailability.
- Creatine AKG (Creatine Alpha-Ketoglutarate): Attached to an alpha-ketoglutarate molecule, this form is theorized to have better absorption and higher concentrations in muscle cells.
- Creatine HCL (Creatine Hydrochloride): By adding a hydrochloride group, this form is more soluble in fluid and is suggested to have better intestinal absorption than monohydrate.
- Creatine Trimalate: This form is bonded with malic acid, which may help improve solubility and energy production during the Krebs cycle.
- Creatine Pyruvate: This is a combination of creatine and pyruvic acid, which is believed to increase bioavailability and aid in energy production.
Comparison of creatine forms
| Feature | Creatine Monohydrate | 'Six Point Creatine' Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pure creatine monohydrate | A blend of six different creatine types |
| Absorption Rate | Immediate release; well-researched | Designed for both instant and buffered uptake |
| Bioavailability | High bioavailability, but absorption can vary | Uses multiple forms to potentially enhance overall absorption and bioavailability |
| Research Support | Extensive scientific evidence backing its efficacy | Limited research specifically on the blend's overall effectiveness compared to monohydrate |
| Gastrointestinal Issues | Some users may experience bloating or discomfort | Aims to reduce potential side effects with different absorption rates |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | Often more expensive due to the inclusion of multiple ingredients |
How the different creatine forms work together
Instead of relying solely on one form, the 'Six Point Creatine' blend is designed to target different aspects of creatine supplementation. For instance, the inclusion of Creatine HCL focuses on increasing solubility and rapid absorption, while forms like Creatine MagnaPower and Creatine AKG aim to optimize energy production pathways or cell uptake. The combination is intended to provide a more comprehensive approach to creatine delivery, potentially mitigating some of the minor side effects associated with a single, large dose of monohydrate, though this is not universally proven.
Potential benefits beyond the gym
While popular for its ergogenic effects, creatine has also been studied for its potential cognitive benefits. Supplementation can increase phosphocreatine stores in the brain, improving short-term memory and reasoning skills. For individuals with lower baseline creatine levels, such as vegetarians, supplementation can be particularly beneficial for brain function. Furthermore, creatine has shown promise in supporting bone health in older adults and aiding in the recovery from certain neurological conditions. By incorporating multiple forms, a 'six point' blend might aim to maximize these benefits by ensuring efficient creatine delivery to both muscles and the brain, but robust evidence to support its superiority over monohydrate for these applications is currently lacking.
Conclusion
'Six Point Creatine' functions by combining various forms of creatine, each with a specific intended benefit, to create a multi-faceted supplement. While the scientifically-backed benefits of creatine are firmly established—including enhanced energy production, increased strength, and improved muscle mass, largely based on creatine monohydrate research—the specific advantages of a six-point blend are theoretical and primarily based on the unique properties of each included form. For most users, high-quality creatine monohydrate remains the most effective and cost-efficient option, supported by decades of research. Those considering a blend should consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Selecting the right creatine supplement
When choosing a creatine supplement, it is important to weigh the evidence. While multi-ingredient products can be appealing, it is important to remember that most of the benefits of creatine supplementation are well documented with creatine monohydrate. Factors to consider include budget, personal tolerance, and specific fitness goals. For many, the simplicity and proven efficacy of creatine monohydrate are hard to beat. However, for those interested in exploring potentially enhanced absorption or different release profiles, a blend like 'Six Point Creatine' might be an option, albeit at a higher cost and with less specific supporting evidence. Ultimately, a well-informed choice should be made based on robust scientific data and personal needs. A good starting point is to choose a product that has been third-party tested for purity and potency.
