3 | Food vehicles - The Creatine Global Initiative

Step 3Food vehicles selection

Consider pros and cons of specific food vehicles for creatine

Creatine can be added to various plant-based foods due to its favorable chemical properties yet which food vehicle would be the most suitable for creatine fortification remains unaddressed, as well as an appropriate chemical form of creatine. The Creatine Global initiative works towards exploring all foods appropriate for creatine fortification while accounting for the quantity of food eaten and level of fortification.

Resources Targets

Step 3Food vehicles selection

Consider pros and cons of specific food vehicles for creatine

Creatine can be added to various plant-based foods due to its favorable chemical properties yet which food vehicle would be the most suitable for creatine fortification remains unaddressed, as well as an appropriate chemical form of creatine. The Creatine Global initiative works towards exploring all foods appropriate for creatine fortification while accounting for the quantity of food eaten and level of fortification.

Resources Targets

Step 3Resources

Publications and reports

Evidence about creatine physical and chemical properties, bioavailability and much more

Sources of creatine

Monohydrate continues to be the only source of creatine that has substantial evidence to support bioavailability, efficacy, and safety.

Nutrients 2022

Novel forms

Supplement manufacturers have continually introduced newer forms of creatine into the marketplace

Amino Acids 2011

Drink or meat-based

Creatine administered as meat or in solid form is readily absorbed but may result in slightly lower peak concentrations than when the same dose is ingested as a solution

J Sports Sci 2002

Chemical synthesis

Pure creatine produced may be unstable under certain conditions, e.g. within special formulations or galenical forms

Subcell Biochem 2007

Check our library for more studies

Library

Step 3Targets

Let's create action

Creatine fortification of specific foods remains largely undisclosed at this moment. We identified four key domains needing targeting to establish specific food vehicles for creatine across populations.

Appropriate food vehicles
Acceptable creatine fortificants
Optimal fortification level
Age-specific adjustment

Food vehicles

Analyze opportunities to fortify cereals and cereal-based products, wheat and corn flour, maize, milk and dairy products, beverages, food seasoning and condiments, etc.

Fortification level

Decide on appropriate amount of creatine to be added to food items, also possible addition of other nutrients (such as glucose) for better uptake.

Creatine fortificant

Examine sensory issues and stability, interactions, cost, bioavailability, safety and technological limits in choosing right chemical form of creatine.

Age-specific formulas

Some age groups (e.g. infants) may only absorb a limited amount of creatine; this needs to be adjusted for food vehicles in this population, and perhaps others.