Arnold's Creatine
Because it’s an inexpensive creatine supplement, Arnold Iron Cre3 seems a safe investment. Although research on creatine nitrate is lacking, this product likely produces results similar to or better than other creatine powders. I can’t imagine the great Arnold Schwarzenegger associating his name with anything less than effective. The best way to assess creatine nitrate is to try it and compare it to other products.
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Negative Side Effects
- Value
- Taste
- Mixability
| Store | Price | Shipping | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $23.95 | Free | Buy Now |
 | $19.86 | $5 Flat Rate | Buy Now |
 | $32.99 | Free | Buy Now |
From playing the Terminator to taking office as the “Governator,” Arnold Schwarzenegger knows a thing or two about power. Now the world’s most-recognized bodybuilder has lent his name to a new line of workout supplements, including Arnold Iron Cre3.
Arnold Iron Cre3 is the only product in MusclePharm’s new Arnold line with creatine as a main ingredient. Ads tell prospective Arnold Iron Cre3 users this creatine supplement requires no loading and contains a unique creatine form 10 times more potent than creatine monohydrate.
I like staying on the cutting-edge of supplement technology. That’s why I examined Arnold Iron Cre3 and its patent-pending creatine nitrate up close.
The Arnold Iron Cre3 Formula
Arnold Iron Cre3 uses both individual ingredients and proprietary blends to deliver muscle-building nutrition. Here’s a look at the most important ingredients.
Creatine Nitrate
Bodybuilders use creatine to increase muscle strength and power during intense exercise.[1] In Arnold Iron Cre3, nitric acid molecules have been attached to creatine. Nitric acid creates nitric oxide, a gas which increases blood flow.[2][3]
If this new creatine form works as advertised, Arnold Iron Cre3 likely delivers creatine to muscles faster, thanks to faster nitric oxide-assisted nutrient transport. But, there aren’t any published studies examining creatine nitrate’s effects, so the jury’s still out on this creatine form.
Taurine
The amino acid taurine is often included in energy drinks and workout supplements to enhance athletic performance.[4] Taurine decreases buildup of lactate, a substance which contributes to muscle fatigue.[5] Human studies typically use 1.5 to 2 g taurine, a higher dose than what’s included in Arnold Iron Cre3.
L-Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that reduces ammonia accumulation. [6] Research shows taking glutamine before lifting weights doesn’t reliably promote muscle building[7] or increase lifting power.[8]
How to Use It
Creatine supplements like Arnold Iron Cre3 are mainly taken before a workout to ensure muscles have plenty of workout-enhancing creatine. Arnold Iron Cre3’s usage directions suggest mixing a pre-portioned powder packet with about 8 ounces of water and drink it 30 minutes or so before your training session.
I recommend you experiment with taking Arnold Iron Cre3 anytime in the hour before you hit the gym to see what gives you the best results. For example, if you spend more than an hour lifting, drinking this supplement 15 minutes before your workout might give you more energy in the latter half of your session.
What It Costs
Several websites list Arnold Iron Cre3’s retail price as about $45, but I didn’t see any company charging full price. Most sites charge $23 to $25 for a 30-serving jug. That’s a great deal for a creatine powder; most sell for at least $35 a jug:
| Store | Price | Shipping | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| $23.95 | Free | Buy Now |
| $19.86 | $5 Flat Rate | Buy Now |
| $32.99 | Free | Buy Now |
However, Arnold Iron Cre3 holds only 1 g creatine per serving. Yes, that creatine is allegedly more potent than creatine monohydrate. But, some buyers might dislike getting a smaller creatine dose even if it comes at a lower price.
Should You Invest in Arnold Iron Cre3?
Because it’s an inexpensive creatine supplement, Arnold Iron Cre3 seems a safe investment. Although research on creatine nitrate is lacking, this product likely produces results similar to or better than other creatine powders. I can’t imagine the great Arnold Schwarzenegger associating his name with anything less than effective. The best way to assess creatine nitrate is to try it and compare it to other products.
References
[1] WebMD. “Creatine.” Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-873-creatine.aspx?activeIngredientId=873&activeIngredientName=creatine&source=1.
[2] Lundberg, JO, E Weitzberg, and MT Gladwin. “The nitrate-nitrate-nitric oxide pathway in physiology and therapeutics.” Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 7.2 (2008): 156-67. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18167491.
[3] Stein, Jeannine. “What can nitric oxide do for me?” Los Angeles Times. 2007 Jul 9. Available from: http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jul/09/health/la-hew-askus9jul09.
[4] Zeratsky, Katherine. “Taurine in energy drinks: What is it?” Mayo Clinic. 2012 Mar 27. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/taurine/AN01856.
[5] Imagawa, TF, I Hirano, et al. “Caffeine and taurine enhance endurance performance.” International Journal of Sports Medicine. 30.7 (2009): 485-8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19455480.
[6] “Glutamine.” University of Maryland Medical Center, 2011. Available from: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/glutamine.
[7] Wilkinson, SB, D Armstrong, and SM Phillips. “Addition of glutamine to essential amino acids and carbohydrate does not enhance anabolism in young human males following exercise.” Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 31.5 (2006): 518-29. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17111006.
[8] Antonio, J, MS Sanders, D Kalman, D Woodgate, and C Street. “The effects of high-dose glutamine ingestion on weightlifting performance.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 16.1 (2002): 157-60. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11834123.
