CreGAAtine
Also known as: Guanidinoacetic acid, GAA, CreGAAtine
Direct precursor methylated by GAMT to creatine; supplementation effectively raises muscle creatine but consumes methyl groups (SAM).
Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study
Set your location for accurate regulatory status
Saved on this device — no sign-in needed.
Overview
Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is the immediate precursor to creatine; supplementation raises muscle creatine and may provide ergogenic effects with smaller doses than creatine monohydrate.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Bypasses creatine itself by raising endogenous synthesis; supplementation effective in raising muscle creatine stores.
Physiological Role
Emerging alternative to creatine monohydrate. Because conversion consumes methyl groups, some trials have reported elevated homocysteine; co-supplementation with betaine or B vitamins has been studied as a mitigation strategy, but the evidence is limited and it is not an established requirement.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Animal data robust; human evidence still growing. Methyl-donor depletion is a plausible concern raised in the literature rather than a confirmed clinical risk.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 1.2 g/day
- Optimal Range
- 1.2–3 g/day with methyl donors
- Upper / Caution Level
- ~4 g/day
- Timing
- With meals
- Best Format
- Powder, capsule
- Bioavailability
- High intestinal absorption.
- Absorption Considerations
- Effective creatine elevation but reduces SAMe pool — combine with betaine, B12, folate.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Homocysteine elevation if methyl donors not co-supplemented
- •Mild GI upset
Contraindications
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia
- Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
- •Methotrexate
- •Levodopa
Who Should Avoid
- •Cardiovascular disease without methyl-donor coverage
Monitoring
Homocysteine if used long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is CreGAAtine typically used or indicated?
CreGAAtine is most commonly used for: Creatine precursor, Strength, Power, Cellular methylation. Emerging alternative to creatine monohydrate. Because conversion consumes methyl groups, some trials have reported elevated homocysteine; co-supplementation with betaine or B vitamins has been studied as a mitigation strategy, but the evidence is limited and it is not an established requirement.
How does CreGAAtine work?
Bypasses creatine itself by raising endogenous synthesis; supplementation effective in raising muscle creatine stores.
What is the recommended dose of CreGAAtine?
The optimal range is 1.2–3 g/day with methyl donors. with a minimum effective dose of 1.2 g/day. Best taken: With meals. Upper / caution level: ~4 g/day.
What are the side effects of CreGAAtine?
Reported side effects include: Homocysteine elevation if methyl donors not co-supplemented; and Mild GI upset. Monitoring: Homocysteine if used long-term.
Does CreGAAtine interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Methotrexate; and Levodopa. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid CreGAAtine?
CreGAAtine is generally not recommended for: Cardiovascular disease without methyl-donor coverage; Hyperhomocysteinaemia; and Pregnancy.
How strong is the evidence for CreGAAtine?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 42/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.
Research & References (1)
Guanidinoacetic acid for raising muscle creatine: RCT
Effective increase in muscle creatine; homocysteine rose without methyl-donor co-supplementation.
Trademark Ingredients
Related Ingredients
Other top-rated ingredients in Ergogenic Compounds.
Creatine Monohydrate
94/100A naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid that facilitates recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue via the phosphocreatine shuttle.
Maltodextrin
78/100Short-chain α-1,4 linked glucose polymer that is rapidly hydrolysed by brush-border maltase to glucose; near-equivalent glycaemic response to glucose but lower osmolality at concentration.
Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)
72/100Produced via cyclic-glucanotransferase action on amylopectin, HBCD forms cluster-like macromolecules ~160 kDa that solubilise at low osmolality (≈4 mOsm/L) and clear the stomach faster than maltodextrin or glucose polymers.
Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cregaatine
SuppIndex. (2026). CreGAAtine: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cregaatine
Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Mandatory co-supplementation with betaine, B6/B12/folate to offset methyl-donor cost.