If you are working out you will have undoubtedly heard various tales about creatine.
Normally they will go along the lines of that this is a must-have supplement for building muscle, however you need a loading phase… and you should cycle it… and take it pre workout/post workout… and be wary of the side effects… oh and you shouldn’t take with caffeine.
It can be enough to put some people off.
It is certainly true creatine plays a pivotal role in the muscle-building process – there is endless research to support this – and Con-Cret from ProMera Sports looks to deal with some of the perceived negatives attached to taking it.
Con-Cret stands out from the crowd as it is a highly-pure creatine hydrochloride (HCl), which means only small doses are needed compared to regular creatine monohydrate.
The benefits of Con-Cret include…
- No cramping
- No loading or cycle phases
- Smaller doses
- Delivers unmatched strength, endurance and recovery
The company
ProMera Sports has been giving “athletes and fitness enthusiasts an opportunity to experience safe sports supplement products” since 2006.
They produce a range of supplements, with the award-winning Con-Cret their flagship product.
ProMera pride themselves on producing completely safe products – that do not contain any banned substances or ingredients – in GMP-certified facilities.
ProMera’s patented Con-Cret formula can also be found in MusclePharm’s Assault and Force Factor’s VolcaNO.
Ingredients and how they work
Creatine, which can be found in food products such as meat and eggs, is a molecule that helps increase power, strength and muscle size in the body.
It works by storing high-energy phosphocreatine, which are then released during exercise. Numerous clinical studies have highlighted the benefits of creatine supplementation in athletes.
Traditionally creatine monohydrate has been used, with an initial loading phase (a much larger dose for a set period of time) needed to feel the benefits quicker.
Unfortunately the loading phase has been associated with bloating, cramps, water retention and gastrointestinal issues, while you also need to cycle on and off.
Con-Cret looks to overcome these issues through using creatine hydrochloride, which is more soluble and digests easier. This means only smaller doses are needed, while no loading phase is required either.
There has only been one major study into the effectiveness of HCl – and this was commissioned by ProMera Sports. However the study showed supplementation with HCl provided “a more efficient method for enhancing creatine levels in the body”.
Con-Cret pros and cons
Pros
- No side effects
- Quick results
- Powder version mixes well and has a variety of flavours
- Also available as a capsule
- Popular among users
Cons
- Expensive compared to creatine monohydrate
- More research is needed
Con-Cret side effects
One of Con-Cret’s key selling points is the fact it avoids the side effects that have been associated with using creatine monohydrate. There is a standard warning to consult your doctor before using Con-Cret or “any other dietary supplement or starting any exercise program”. There is also a suggestion to keep hydrated as well.
Con-Cret review conclusions
There seems to be an unjust fear attached to taking creatine and this seems to stem from the possible side effects. Creatine monohydrate can cause some cramping, bloating and gastrointestinal issues in some cases, however if these occur it will be during the loading phase.
The fact Con-Cret claims it doesn’t need a loading phase (or the need to cycle it) because of the small doses makes it instantly more appealing – and it seems logical that no side effects will be attached to taking it.
Con-Cret is definitely easier to use, especially with a range of flavours (pineapple is worth trying) and the fact it comes in a capsule version, too.
The biggest thing to let Con-Cret down is the lack of studies into creatine hydrochloride – with just the one so far, which ProMera Sports commissioned.
Con-Cret can also work out quite expensive as well, especially when creatine monohydrate is so widely available.
Despite these negatives, Con-Cret rates highly among those using it regular – with the extra price seemingly worth paying for the absence of side effects.