Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidencePhysical performance

Kre-Alkalyn (Buffered Creatine)

Kre-Alkalyn is pH-buffered creatine sold on the premise that monohydrate degrades into useless creatinine in the stomach — a premise that is false. The one head-to-head trial found buffered creatine raised muscle creatine and training adaptations no better than monohydrate, and at the low label dose it performed worse.

What the science says

  • Head-to-head trial found no advantage, and low-dose buffering underperformed Limited evidence

    Jagim's 2012 double-blind trial randomized 36 resistance-trained men to 20 g/day loading then 5 g/day monohydrate, an equivalent-dose buffered creatine, or a low-dose buffered creatine (1.5 g/day per the manufacturer's own label) for 28 days. Muscle free creatine content rose significantly with monohydrate; the low-dose buffered arm produced no significant increase, and neither buffered arm beat monohydrate on strength, power, or body composition.

  • The stomach-degradation premise does not hold up Limited evidence

    The marketing claim is that stomach acid converts most monohydrate to creatinine before absorption. Human pharmacokinetic work shows oral creatine monohydrate is roughly 99% bioavailable, with only trace creatinine formed during transit — there is essentially no degradation loss for a buffer to prevent. The ISSN position stand states plainly that no alternative form has been shown to increase muscle creatine better than monohydrate.

  • Lower dosing recommendations are the real risk Limited evidence

    Because the product is sold as more efficient, labels often recommend 1.5-3 g/day rather than the validated 3-5 g/day. In the Jagim trial, the 1.5 g/day arm failed to significantly raise intramuscular creatine over 28 days — meaning the marketing claim, if followed, produces underdosing rather than a superior result.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseIf you already own it, take 5 g/day of creatine equivalent regardless of what the label says — the manufacturer-recommended 1.5-3 g/day did not load muscle in the one trial that tested it. For everyone else, creatine monohydrate at 3-5 g/day is the reference standard, costs a fraction as much, and has hundreds of trials behind it.
SafetySafety profile matches creatine monohydrate: no evidence of kidney or liver harm in healthy adults at standard doses, no increase in cramping or heat illness. Mild GI discomfort and 1-2 kg early water-weight gain are typical. Alkaline buffering may slightly reduce stomach discomfort in sensitive users, but this has not been formally quantified. People with kidney disease should use creatine only with medical supervision. Not banned in sport; choose third-party-tested products.

Scientific references

Where to buy

EFX Sports, PH-Correct® Creatine Monohydrate, Kre-Alkalyn® EFX Powder, Neutral, 3.53 oz (100 g)

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