If you do much bodybuilding or weight training at all, then you have probably already tried creatine monohydrate or creatine ethyl ester supplements. If you have not yet tried supplementing with creatine, you should at least seriously consider it. However, you may have heard many myths and unsubstantiated rumors about the potential adverse effects. In this article, we will give you the facts about the scientifically proven benefits of creatine ethyl ester, as well as the documented side effects.

Creatine has been widely used for a long time, and is one of the most well studied nutritional supplements being sold today. Many benefits of creatine have been scientifically proven in numerous studies. These benefits include:

1. Better muscle endurance. Studies have shown that creatine use increases muscle endurance, allowing users to workout more intensely for longer periods of times.

2. Increased muscle mass and strength. This is the main reason bodybuilders and weight trainers take creatine. Supplementation has been shown to produce faster gains in muscle size and strength.

3. Faster recovery time. Creatine helps muscles recover quicker after workouts, rebuilding new, bigger muscle and allowing you to workout sooner and feel less muscle soreness.

4. Reduced water retention and creatine bloating. Creatine ethyl ester is absorbed much more easily by the body than creatine monohydrate is. For this reason, many believe the ethyl ester form causes much less water retention, so the weight and size you gain will be pure muscle rather than water weight. This also may help to reduce or eliminate the bloating side effect that is often associated with creatine monohydrate.

Now that you know the many benefits of creatine, you probably want to learn about the side effects. Again, since creatine has been well studied, the side effects of creatine are well documented.

Creatine increases water retention in the body's cells, so dehydration is a very possible side effect. Creatine users should be absolutely sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid the dangerous possibility of dehydration.

Creatine is also known to cause weight gain. While this is considered a side effect, most people who are weight training would consider this a benefit. Weight gain is caused mainly by the increase in muscle mass, while additional weight gain may be attributed to water retention. Creatine ethyl ester may reduce effects associated with water retention.

Cramping and bloating are the most common side effects experienced by creatine users. However, with the more easily absorbed creatine ethyl ester form, these side effects may be eliminated or reduced. If you no longer take creatine monohydrate due to these adverse effects, you may benefit from creatine ethyl ester.