Supplementing creatine but product has caffeine

[Duckett]

I have been taking the Kre-ex tangy orange product by Atlas Nutrition for the past 2 weeks and I have some concern. First of all it works awesome, I could be ready to fall asleep and this stuff would get me pumped in about 10 minutes, no exaggeration. But the stuff has caffeine in it and I am wondering if this is hindering the effect of the creatine.

Now I really do watch my caffeine intake now that I am taking creatine but this stuff could have more than 300 mg of caffeine and that is proven to counteract the benefits of creatine.

Also could the caffeine be counteracting the benefits of supplementing L-arginine because one is a vaso-constrictor and the other a dilator?

My real question is should I resort to a different preworkout drink because of the caffeine? Sorry for the long read and thanks for any comments.

[Gill]

A few years ago the creatine versus caffeine debate started up because of one study published that said they interfere; however, studies in the past two years have mostly disproven this. Caffeine and creatine operate on seperate pathways. The only interference may derive from caffeine's dirutetic properties and creatine's absorption qualities. Drink plenty of water and this won't be a problem for you.

On the other hand, caffeine is counter-productive to NO supplements. You're right, caffeine does constrict while arginine dilates, but unless you're taking mega doses of caffeine, the constriction it causes should not be more than marginal in its affects on your vascularity and obstruction of l-arginine's efforts.

In the end, it comes down to finding what works for you. If you feel like you're lacking pump from your creatine product, try another. If you feel fine from it but are just worrying about the latest hearsay, brush it off and do what works for you.

[Duckett]

Awesome, thanks for the reply, very helpful. I always wondered why companies use caffeine in a number of supplements with creatine in them, especially with those first studies. Anyway this kre-ex supplement will be the only caffeine I get so I should be fine. I really do recommend this product for anyone lacking energy in their workouts. I have used no-xplode before and this stuff kicks its ass for only a few dollars more.

That supplement along with cytogainer, whey protein, and a lot of eating has made me gain about 25 lbs in 3 months. Granted I gained a little fat but my body fat was low before I started so it didn't bother me. I am now 5'7" at 165. It will be time to cut soon.