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Guanidine propionic acid

Guanidine propionic acid (N-(aminoiminomethyl) - beta-alanine) is a creatine monohydrate analog. It is a common ingredient in products containing creatine monohydrate.

What does it do and what scientific studies provide evidence

Guanidine propionic acid helps regulate insulin functions and is a common additive to products containing creatine monohydrate. Insulin, associated with low body fat, is an anabolic hormone. This means that it causes the body to build new muscle tissue from dietary protein. Insulin also causes the body to increase the uptake of creatine into muscle tissue. Many athletes supplement with insulin after a hard workout so that they can speed up the "repair" of tired muscles. Studies on guanidine propionic acid show that it can be beneficial to athletes in many ways. Research has shown that Guanidine Propionic Acid can help improve insulin function, promote weight loss, improve your muscle contraction, increase your body's creatine uptake 1 and, most importantly of all, help make your muscles look even more prominent! 2 Some clinical studies have shown that guanidine propionic acid can damage proteins 3, is sometimes toxic 4, and can hinder creatine uptake 5. However, it should be noted that the ability of guanidine propionic acid to damage proteins is minimal in the context of the high protein diet typical of athletes, that the levels required to achieve toxicity are well above the recommended doses, and that the ability to "inhibit" creatine uptake does not mean that it "prevents" creatine uptake. This can be logically demonstrated by considering that Guanidine Propionic Acid helps the body absorb creatine and thus allows the body to use MORE creatine. Therefore, it cannot simultaneously help the body absorb MORE creatine AND cause the body to absorb LESS creatine at the same time and in the same way.

Deficiency symptoms

Athletes of all sports can benefit from supplementing with a creatine monohydrate product that contains guanidine propionic acid. Those who do not "respond" to creatine monohydrate may benefit from using a product containing guanidine propionic acid. Often a non-response to creatine has little to do with creatine per se, but with the internal state of the body. Guanidine Propionic Acid can help the body absorb more creatine, which can also lead to desired results for those who do not respond. There is no physiological requirement and there are no deficiency symptoms.

Dosage and side effects

Always follow the instructions on the packaging. As noted, side effects are rare and none have been reported to date. All individuals should consult a physician before supplementing with any dietary nutrition product in conjunction with a general health or fitness program.

References

  1. Vaillancourt VA, Larsen SD, Tanis SP, Burr JE, Connell MA, Cudahy MM, Evans BR, Fisher PV, May PD, Meglasson MD, Robinson DD, Stevens FC, Tucker JA, Vidmar TJ, Yu JH. Synthesis and biological activity of aminoguanidine and diaminoguanidine analogues of the antidiabetic/antiobesity agent 3-guanidinopropionic acid. J Med Chem. 2001 Apr 12;44(8):1231-48.
  2. Ohira Y, Kawano F, Roy RR, Edgerton VR. Metabolic modulation of muscle fiber properties unrelated to mechanical stimuli. Jpn J Physiol. 2003 Dec;53(6):389-400.
  3. Perna AF, Ingrosso D, Satta E, Lombardi C, Galletti P, D'Aniello A, De Santo NG. Plasma protein aspartyl damage is increased in hemodialysis patients: studies on causes and consequences. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2004 Oct;15(10):2747-54.
  4. Shainkin-Kestenbaum R, Winikoff Y, Dvilansky A, Chaimovitz C, Nathan I. Effect of guanidino-propionic acid on lymphocyte proliferation. Nephron. 1986;44(4):295-8.
  5. Eijnde BO, Lebacq J, Ramaekers M, Hespel P. Effect of muscle creatine content manipulation on contractile properties in mouse muscles. Muscle Nerve. 2004 Mar;29(3):428-35.