Creatine Studies Suggest the Performance Booster Could Also Be a Longevity Supplement

Creatine, long known as a sports supplement for strength and performance athletes, is now attracting a much broader audience. Beyond weightlifting and bodybuilding, an increasing number of studies are examining the role of creatine in mental performance, maintaining muscle mass and even as part of a sustainable health strategy.

In this article, you will learn what the creatine molecule actually is, why it can be described as an “energy store for the brain and muscles”, and what scientific findings are currently available. We also examine the importance of sustainable production – a subject that is becoming increasingly important to many modern consumers. And last but not least, in this context we would also like to introduce you to the innovative powder combination called FocusMind Pro©. An exceptionally intelligent and unique combination containing the next generation of creatine – namely Creavitalis® creatine. Further refined with niacin and selenium, the FocusMind Pro© formulation was developed specifically for mental performance and personal longevity. Curious? Then make sure you continue reading.

Table of contents

1. A behind-the-scenes look at Alzchem, the manufacturer of Creavitalis® creatine
2. Interview with Andreas Rothbucher, Alzchem Group
3. Creatine: a versatile molecule for muscles, the brain and general health
4. Creatine monohydrate vs. creatine phosphate
5. Creatine for brain performance and cognitive functions
6. Medical applications and longevity potential
7. Sustainable creatine production: why it matters
8. Common myths about creatine: what is actually true?
9. Conclusion: creatine as a sustainable all-rounder
10. Sources

A behind-the-scenes look at Alzchem, the manufacturer of Creavitalis® creatine

The Alzchem Group, headquartered in Trostberg, Bavaria, is one of Germany’s leading specialty chemicals companies. For more than 100 years, the company has been producing high-quality, sustainable and innovative products. Alzchem relies on strict quality controls, certifications, resource-efficient processes and energy-efficient procedures – recognised with EcoVadis Platinum status.

Creavitalis® is a highly pure creatine monohydrate produced by Alzchem. It is manufactured in Germany under strict GMP conditions, is FSSC 22000 certified and is used for research purposes at universities around the world. This has established Creavitalis® as a reference raw material for studies on creatine.

In the following interview, Andreas Rothbucher, Sales Manager Central Europe at the Alzchem Group, answers important questions on subjects such as quality, sustainability and the many benefits of creatine – from its traditional use in sport to general health promotion and longevity.

Interview with Andreas Rothbucher, Sales Manager Central Europe, Alzchem Group

Creavitalis® is a branded raw material with a unique selling proposition. What makes your creatine special compared with other products on the market?

Creavitalis® is characterised by its high purity and quality. It is produced exclusively in Germany and meets the highest standards. It is also certified vegan, kosher and halal. Thanks to its fine milling, Creavitalis® is texture-neutral and pleasant to take. Creavitalis® is the raw material used in scientific studies and is therefore the reference product for their results.

Quality and purity are decisive criteria for food supplements. How do you ensure that Creavitalis® meets the highest standards?

We ensure that Creavitalis® meets the highest standards by carrying out strict quality controls and testing. Every batch is analysed meticulously, ensuring consistent quality. Alzchem’s production processes are certified and have been proven over more than 30 years. The entire production chain, including the starting raw materials, is also controlled by Alzchem, thereby ensuring purity in the final product.

Alzchem is regarded as a pioneer in sustainable production. What specific steps do you take to ensure that your creatine is manufactured in an environmentally friendly way?

Our climate roadmap towards “Net Zero” is based on the following four principles:

1. We want to close our production cycles more efficiently,
2. reduce the amount of energy required,
3. make greater use of the waste heat generated in our production processes, and
4. avoid every form of resource waste.

What makes Alzchem so innovative and future-oriented as a company?

We invest continuously in research and development and work closely with scientific institutions, constantly developing new products and applications for creatine.

Creatine is popular among athletes, but it also offers benefits in everyday life. What role does creatine play in general health promotion and specifically in longevity?

Creatine in the form of phosphocreatine is the key to the cellular energy cycle. It ensures the energy supply of cells and is therefore indispensable for longevity concepts. On this basis, creatine supports all energy-intensive bodily functions. Interest in creatine is growing rapidly, particularly in women’s health and cognitive performance.

Where is the journey heading? What is your vision for the future production of creatine and the use of Creavitalis® in different areas of life?

Our vision is to establish Creavitalis® in even more areas of life and make the many benefits of creatine better known. Extensive studies with universities around the globe are revealing additional areas of application. Alongside women’s health, we are also conducting very promising research in fatigue and balanced nutrition.

With such a wide selection of creatine suppliers, why should customers choose Creavitalis®?

We produce creatine in a dedicated facility in Germany, use safe manufacturing processes and comply with strict standards such as GMP and HACCP. Customers should choose Creavitalis® because it meets the highest quality standards. The German consumer advice centre also recommends purchasing only products bearing the Creavitalis® or Creapure® seal.

Your manufacturing process is considered particularly distinctive. What technological or ecological differences are there compared with other producers?

Our manufacturing process is characterised by the use of state-of-the-art technologies and environmentally friendly production methods. We ensure that our processes are energy-efficient and conserve resources. Alzchem is also the only creatine manufacturer in the Western world.

Creavitalis® is produced exclusively in Germany. Why did you deliberately choose this location?

Alzchem was founded around 120 years ago. The primary reason for choosing the location was the considerable hydropower provided by the nearby River Alz. This offered a reliable source of energy for production at the time, meaning sustainability was already part of Alzchem’s original concept. Our creatine is produced exclusively in our certified facilities in Upper Bavaria – fairly, sustainably and regionally.

Your products are certified. Which certifications do you hold and what do they mean for consumers?

Our products are certified kosher and halal. For consumers, these certifications mean that they receive a product of the highest purity and quality, manufactured under strict controls.

Creavitalis® is considered particularly bioavailable. What makes the absorption of your creatine more effective than that of other products?

Creavitalis® is creatine monohydrate with bioavailability of almost 100%. This is achieved through the product’s exceptional purity and quality. It therefore enables more effective absorption and utilisation of creatine in the body.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. What makes Creavitalis® more sustainable than creatine products from other manufacturers?

Creavitalis® is produced under sustainable conditions. We use energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly production methods to minimise environmental impact. In 2024, Alzchem received the EcoVadis Platinum rating for sustainable corporate management, placing it among the top 1% of companies assessed.

Alzchem works closely with researchers. Which projects or innovative studies on creatine are you currently working on?

Alzchem supports and conducts numerous studies to further research the many benefits of creatine. Current studies cover sarcopenia, Long Covid, cognitive functions, women’s health, longevity and several other areas.

Which clinical studies or research findings do you consider particularly relevant for consumers?

The studies in women’s health are particularly relevant. There are many new findings in this area. We will also be able to present groundbreaking results this year in applications relating to healthy ageing. We are also very confident about our fatigue/Long Covid study, which will be completed this year.

Creatine is frequently the subject of new research. Are there any interesting scientific developments that might surprise us?

What is particularly surprising is the number of areas in which creatine is useful and where supplementation can provide major benefits. New approaches are constantly being identified, including applications in depression and Parkinson’s disease. Research is relentless in this field. Ultimately, however, the explanation is quite simple: the fundamental function of creatine is to support energy metabolism. Creatine therefore supplies the body with energy – everywhere and whenever it is needed.

Finally, what would be your most important advice for people considering creatine not only for sport but also to promote their general health?

My most important advice would be to view creatine as part of a holistic approach. Creatine supports the body’s energy metabolism and therefore has a wide range of effects. Creatine is suitable for anyone who wants to move through life with energy.

Creatine: a versatile molecule for muscles, the brain and general health

What is creatine and why is it so important?

The term “creatine” is derived from the Greek word “kreas”, meaning “meat”. Our main dietary intake typically comes from meat and fish, while plant-based foods contain almost no creatine. An average adult synthesises around 1–2 grams of creatine per day, particularly in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Additional amounts are obtained through the diet.

In the body, creatine – stored mainly as phosphocreatine – serves as a rapidly available energy source. During high-intensity, short-duration exertion, it regenerates the cells’ main energy source, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This function makes creatine a popular supplement for strength training and jumping sports. However, it offers far more than enhanced athletic performance alone.

Creatine monohydrate vs. creatine phosphate: why the former is clearly the gold standard

Creatine monohydrate and creatine phosphate differ both in their chemical structure and in their role in the body. Creatine monohydrate is the most commonly used and best-researched form of creatine in food supplements. Chemically, it consists of creatine combined with one molecule of crystalline water, or monohydrate. This form is particularly stable, highly bioavailable and efficiently absorbed by the body. Its main function is to replenish creatine stores in the muscles and thereby support energy production.

Creatine phosphate (phosphocreatine), by contrast, is creatine with an attached phosphate group and acts as an immediately available energy store in the muscle cell. It provides the phosphoryl group required to convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) back into ATP – a crucial process for high-intensity, short-duration muscular efforts such as sprinting or heavy strength training. However, creatine phosphate is not taken directly as a supplement because the body independently converts absorbed creatine monohydrate into creatine phosphate.

Why creatine monohydrate is superior

1. Higher creatine content per gram: Creatine monohydrate contains approximately 88–90% pure creatine, while creatine phosphate provides only around 60% pure creatine because of the additional phosphate group. This means that almost twice as much creatine phosphate would have to be consumed to achieve the same effect, making it inefficient and expensive.
2. Best bioavailability and absorption: Studies show that creatine monohydrate has the highest bioavailability of all forms of creatine. It is rapidly absorbed by the body and transported into muscle cells, where it serves as an energy store. Creatine phosphate, by contrast, must first be split before it can enter the cell, meaning its transport and absorption are no more efficient than those of monohydrate.
3. Conversion occurs automatically in the body: The human body automatically converts creatine from food or supplements into creatine phosphate. Direct supplementation with creatine phosphate is therefore unnecessary because it offers no additional benefit. This means that any form of creatine supplement other than monohydrate merely represents an unnecessary detour.
4. Scientifically proven – the “gold standard” among creatine forms: Creatine monohydrate is by far the best studied and most proven form of creatine. Other creatine variants, such as creatine malate, creatine ethyl ester or creatine citrate, have shown no additional benefit over monohydrate in studies. The same applies to creatine phosphate as a supplement. For decades, scientific research has shown that monohydrate is optimal for gains in strength, muscle mass and recovery.
5. Cost efficiency and purity: Creatine monohydrate is not only the most affordable form of creatine but also the purest. While alternative creatine products are often more expensive and may contain additives, monohydrate is available in highly pure form. High-quality creatine monohydrate such as Creavitalis® guarantees purity of more than 99.9%.
6. Proven safety and long-term tolerability: Creatine monohydrate has been researched for decades and is classified as safe. There is no evidence that it causes long-term side effects when consumed in normal amounts. Creatine phosphate has been studied far less extensively as a standalone supplement.

In brief: Creatine monohydrate is the gold standard among creatine products. It provides a higher proportion of pure creatine, is absorbed optimally, is scientifically proven, cost-effective and safe over the long term. Creatine phosphate, by contrast, offers no identifiable advantage because the body converts monohydrate into phosphocreatine anyway. Anyone looking for an effective and safe creatine supplement should therefore undoubtedly choose creatine monohydrate – the most effective and proven form for muscle growth, enhanced performance and cognitive benefits.

Benefits of creatine in sport and everyday life

1. Short-term energy production: Creatine primarily supports high-intensity, short-duration activities requiring maximum strength or speed, for example weightlifting or sprinting. It improves the ability to regenerate ATP more rapidly.
2. Increased anaerobic capacity: Creatine can noticeably improve performance during anaerobic activities such as sprinting or strength training. It is not only professional athletes who benefit, but also anyone seeking to optimise muscle strength or fitness.
3. Greater performance in everyday life: People who engage in regular strength training can often perform more repetitions or move heavier weights when using creatine. Studies show that strength training combined with creatine supplementation leads to significantly greater increases in muscle strength than training without creatine.

For people who do not train at all or only train moderately, creatine may play an important role in maintaining muscle mass. It supports muscle tissue particularly in old age or in physically demanding occupations. In addition, the positive effects on the brain’s energy metabolism are becoming an increasingly sought-after area. You can read about how physical activity generally affects a long and healthy life in our article Exercise and longevity.

Creatine for brain performance and cognitive functions

Numerous studies show that creatine can promote not only physical but also mental performance. In a placebo-controlled crossover study involving 45 young vegetarian adults who took 5 g of creatine per day for six weeks, significant improvements in working memory and intelligence test scores were observed. People with lower dietary creatine intake, such as vegetarians, appear to benefit particularly.

There are also indications that creatine may have positive effects on short-term memory and mental clarity. However, the effects can vary depending on the individual’s condition, and factors such as sleep, stress level and general nutrition also play a role.

Medical applications and longevity potential

Creatine is now also established in medical fields:

• Neurological diseases: Studies suggest that creatine may have a supportive effect in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Heart health: Creatine helps improve the energy supply of heart muscle cells, which may be particularly relevant for people with heart failure.
• Muscle and nerve diseases: In muscular dystrophies or ALS, creatine contributes to improved muscle strength.
• Rehabilitation: Creatine is used in rehabilitation programmes following strokes or brain injuries to support the energy balance of damaged tissue.

The role of creatine in ageing is particularly relevant for long-term quality of life. By strengthening the muscles and brain, creatine contributes to so-called longevity. It may help counteract age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, has antioxidant effects and supports cognitive functions. Many longevity experts therefore refer to creatine as one component of a comprehensive anti-ageing strategy, particularly when it is embedded in a healthy diet and targeted physical activity.

Sustainable creatine production: why it matters

One often neglected aspect when purchasing creatine is sustainability. Low-cost creatine, frequently produced in Asia, is sometimes manufactured using environmentally harmful processes. This leads to large amounts of waste and pollutant contamination. By contrast, the Alzchem Group in Germany uses sustainable production methods characterised by energy-efficient procedures and low emissions.

Anyone who values not only quality but also the environment should pay attention to sustainable manufacturers when purchasing creatine.

Tip: Look for certificates and quality seals confirming tested, resource-efficient production methods.

Common myths about creatine: what is actually true?

1. “Creatine damages the kidneys”: In studies, healthy people showed no negative effects on kidney values even with long-term creatine use. However, anyone with existing kidney problems should always seek medical advice.
2. “Creatine is only for men”: Women can also benefit from creatine, for example in maintaining muscle mass, improving training performance or supporting cognitive functions.
3. “Creatine is a steroid”: Creatine is a naturally occurring molecule and has nothing to do with anabolic steroids. It is legally available and is one of the best-researched food supplements of all.

Conclusion: creatine as a sustainable all-rounder for greater performance, health and longevity

Creatine is far more than a performance-enhancing supplement for ambitious athletes. Whether used to support muscles, the brain or general health goals, numerous studies substantiate the versatile potential of this molecule. It helps increase strength and endurance, positively affects certain neurological and cognitive functions and may have a favourable influence on the ageing process.

At the same time, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration when choosing the right creatine product. Anyone who wants certainty regarding ecology, quality and purity should ensure that the creatine is manufactured under environmentally responsible conditions and certified procedures. With Creavitalis®, the Alzchem Group has established itself as a pioneer in this area.

New product: FocusMind Pro© from neotes

A unique combination of Creavitalis® creatine, niacin (vitamin B3) and selenium.

• Creatine supports the energy supply of muscles and the brain,
• Niacin contributes to reducing tiredness and supports energy metabolism,
• Selenium protects your cells through its antioxidant properties.

For FocusMind Pro©, neotes uses the high-quality Creavitalis® creatine manufactured in Germany by the Alzchem Group. The aim was to offer a product that could be integrated as seamlessly as possible into a modern, health-conscious lifestyle. Although longevity and biohacking are currently major trends, it should nevertheless always be remembered that no supplement can replace a healthy diet or balanced lifestyle on its own. However, creatine – combined with niacin and selenium – offers an interesting approach to supporting energy processes in the body in a targeted way without focusing exclusively on peak athletic performance.

Sources

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10. Pexels. Photo. pexels.com
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