Originally Posted by Sleazy

Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (hydrochloride):
In this case, creatine is bonded with an ester (ethyl alcohol). An ester is a compound formed from the reaction between an acid and an alcohol. Since creatine monohydrate is not very soluble in water, it has difficulty penetrating muscle cell membranes which are made up of lipids (fats). Also, once it comes in contact with any liquid, it gives up its' hydrogen atom which results in it being positively charged at one end and negatively charged at the other. As a result, creatine must rely on transporters to help it bridge this membrane. As it sits outside the cell membrane, it draws in more water (outside the cell), producing the bloating people associate with taking creatine monohydrate. It also begins to degrade and form creatinine. The addition of an ester means that the creatine does not have to rely on transporters to obtain access to muscle cells. Once inside the muscle cell, the ester is removed and the creatine begins to draw water into the cell.
· Pro:
· enhanced absorption rate
· lower dosage rate
· side effects associated with monohydrate are reduced
· Con:
· more expensive form of creatine