L-Lysine
An essential amino acid. Lysine is particularly important in the synthesis of collagen (important structural protein in bone, connective tissue and skin), as well as the synthesis of l-carnitine. Supplemental lysine has been shown to enhance intestinal calcium absorption, and may also help reduce the symptoms of herpes simplex and herpes zoster (shingles) outbreaks.
Creatine Taurinate
A salt of creatine and taurine, a non-protein amino acid. According to US Patent #6,861,554, creatine taurinate is “…a stable, non hygroscopic compound endowed with synergistic activity with respect to creatine and taurine”, that can increase glucose disposal. Creatine taurinate has never been studied w/respect to improvements in mass gains or strength; much less compared to creatine monohydrate, so its effectiveness has yet to be determined.
Creatine Malate
A creatine salt and alternative to creatine monohydrate. Creatine malate is alleged to be more bioavailable as well as more effective than creatine monohydrate, due to “synergy” between creatine and malic acid (an organic acid and Kreb’s Cycle intermediate), but this has not been studied under controlled conditions.
Di-creatine malate and tri-creatine malate are variations on the same theme, with different ratios of creatine to malate (2:1 and 3:1, respectively).
See Paul’s article “Creatine Monohydrate: The BodyBuilding Wonder Supplement?” for information on the benefits of creatine supplementation.
