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Send EmailCreatine Pyruvate, Pyruvate Creatine Complex, 55965-97-4
Creatine Pyruvate (Pyruvate Creatine Complex)
CAS Number: 55965-97-4
Chemical Formula: C₇H₁₃N₃O₅
Molecular Weight: 219.20 g/mol
Synonyms: Creatine Pyruvate, Pyruvate-Creatine Complex, 2-Oxo-propanoic acid Pyruvate-creatine mixture, N-(Aminoiminomethyl)-N-methylglycine mixture with 2-oxopropanoic acid, Creatine Pyruvate Fusion
1. CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Creatine Pyruvate |
| Chemical Name | Creatine Pyruvate (Creatine + Pyruvic Acid salt) |
| CAS Number | 55965-97-4 |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₃N₃O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 219.20 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Creatine salt, Pyruvate salt, Sports nutrition ingredient |
| Synonyms | Creatine Pyruvate, Pyruvate-Creatine Complex, 2-Oxo-propanoic acid Pyruvate-creatine mixture, N-(Aminoiminomethyl)-N-methylglycine mixture with 2-oxopropanoic acid, Creatine Pyruvate Fusion |
2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Appearance | Crystalline powder |
| Odor | Slight characteristic |
| Taste | Slightly sour |
| Melting Point | >200 °C (decomposes) |
| Boiling Point | ~271.6 °C (at 760 mmHg) |
| Density | ~1.4 g/cm³ (estimated) |
| Solubility in Water | Soluble |
| Hygroscopicity | Moderate (hygroscopic) |
3. SOLUBILITY PROPERTIES
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Soluble |
| Ethanol | Slightly soluble |
| Methanol | Slightly soluble |
| Acetone | Insoluble |
4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Composition (typical) | ~60% Creatine + ~40% Pyruvate |
| pH (1% solution) | ~3.5 – 4.5 (acidic, due to pyruvate) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases |
| Dissociation (in stomach acid) | Dissociates into creatine + pyruvic acid |
5. TYPICAL PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (Creatine Pyruvate, dried basis) | ≥ 98.0% | HPLC / Titration |
| Creatine Content | 55-65% (typical 60%) | HPLC |
| Pyruvate Content | 35-45% (typical 40%) | HPLC |
| Moisture | ≤ 5.0% | Karl Fischer |
| pH (1% solution, 25°C) | 3.5 – 4.5 | Potentiometric |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | AAS/ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.5 ppm | AAS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.5 ppm | AAS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | AAS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | AAS |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.5% | Gravimetric |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% | Gravimetric |
| Particle Size | 100% through 40 mesh | Sieve analysis |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | Visual |
6. COMPOSITION: CREATINE vs. PYRUVATE RATIO
| Component | Percentage | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine | ~60% | ATP regeneration; muscle energy |
| Pyruvate | ~40% | TCA cycle entry; energy production; antioxidant |
| Other (moisture, impurities) | <5% | — |
Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₃N₃O₅ (219.20 g/mol)
Creatine Portion: C₄H₉N₃O₂ (131.13 g/mol – 60% of total)
Pyruvate Portion: C₃H₄O₃ (88.06 g/mol – 40% of total)
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Raw Materials | Creatine + Pyruvic Acid |
| Reaction | Creatine + Pyruvic Acid → Creatine Pyruvate |
| Reaction Type | Salt formation (acid-base reaction) |
| Crystallization | Product is crystallized from solution |
| Drying | Drying under controlled conditions |
| Milling/Sieving | Milled to desired particle size |
| Purity | ≥98% (pharmaceutical grade) |
Simplified Reaction:
C₄H₉N₃O₂ (Creatine) + C₃H₄O₃ (Pyruvic Acid) → C₇H₁₃N₃O₅ (Creatine Pyruvate)
8. MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Component | Mechanism | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine (60%) | Donates phosphate group to ADP → ATP regeneration (phosphocreatine system) | Increased energy availability for high-intensity exercise (weightlifting, sprinting) |
| Pyruvate (40%) | Enters TCA cycle (Krebs cycle) → ATP production (aerobic energy) | Increased aerobic energy production; improved endurance |
| Creatine + Pyruvate | Synergistic effect: Creatine provides immediate energy; Pyruvate supports sustained energy | Enhanced both anaerobic and aerobic performance |
| Pyruvate (Antioxidant) | Neutralizes free radicals (reactive oxygen species) | Reduced exercise-induced oxidative stress; faster recovery |
Key Points:
-
Dissociates into creatine and pyruvic acid in stomach acid
-
Creatine increases plasma creatine levels faster than creatine monohydrate (some studies)
-
Dual energy pathway support (anaerobic + aerobic)
9. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| ATP Regeneration | Creatine portion supports rapid ATP regeneration during high-intensity exercise |
| Aerobic Energy Support | Pyruvate portion enters TCA cycle for sustained aerobic energy production |
| Antioxidant | Pyruvate neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) |
| Dual Energy Pathway | Supports both anaerobic (creatine) and aerobic (pyruvate) energy systems |
| Enhanced Absorption | Some studies suggest faster plasma creatine increase vs. creatine monohydrate |
| Muscle Recovery | Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness |
10. APPLICATIONS – SPORTS NUTRITION (Primary Use)
| Application | Function | Typical Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Workout Supplements | Increases muscle strength, power, and endurance | 2,000 – 5,000 mg |
| Post-Workout Recovery | Accelerates muscle recovery; reduces soreness | 2,000 – 5,000 mg |
| Strength Training | Improves performance in weightlifting, sprinting | 3,000 – 5,000 mg/day |
| Endurance Training | Supports aerobic energy production (via pyruvate) | 2,000 – 4,000 mg/day |
| Weight Management | May support fat metabolism (pyruvate component) | 2,000 – 4,000 mg/day |
| Stacked Formulations | Combined with beta-alanine, HMB, BCAAs, or other performance ingredients | As per formulation |
11. APPLICATIONS – ENERGY METABOLISM
| Pathway | Role of Creatine | Role of Pyruvate |
|---|---|---|
| ATP-PC System (immediate energy, 0-10 seconds) | Phosphocreatine donates phosphate to ADP → ATP | Minor role |
| Glycolysis (short-term energy, 10-90 seconds) | Creatine helps buffer ATP levels | Pyruvate is end product of glycolysis |
| Oxidative Phosphorylation (long-term energy, >2 minutes) | Minor role | Pyruvate enters TCA cycle → ATP production |
Key Advantage: Creatine Pyruvate supports all three energy systems (ATP-PC, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation) through its dual components.
12. APPLICATIONS – ANTIOXIDANT AND OXIDATIVE STRESS REDUCTION
| Parameter | Effect |
|---|---|
| Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress | Pyruvate neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during intense exercise |
| Muscle Damage Markers (CK, LDH) | May reduce creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels post-exercise |
| Reco Time | Faster recovery due to reduced oxidative damage |
| Inflammation | May reduce exercise-induced inflammatory markers |
13. APPLICATIONS – NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH
| Application | Mechanism | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection | Creatine supports brain energy metabolism; Pyruvate provides antioxidant effects | Research stage |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Potential neuroprotective effects of creatine | Research stage |
| Neurodegenerative Diseases | Parkinson's, Huntington's, ALS (animal studies show benefit) | Research stage |
Note: Neurological applications are still in research stages. Creatine pyruvate is not approved for medical treatment of neurological conditions.
14. COMPARISON: CREATINE PYRUVATE vs. CREATINE MONOHYDRATE
| Property | Creatine Pyruvate | Creatine Monohydrate |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 219.20 g/mol | 149.15 g/mol |
| Creatine Content | ~60% (60 g creatine per 100 g) | ~88% (88 g creatine per 100 g) |
| Solubility | Good (acidic salt) | Low (poor solubility in cold water) |
| Absorption | May be faster (some studies) | Standard |
| Loading Phase | May not require loading | 20 g/day loading recommended |
| Gastrointestinal Distress | Lower (better tolerated) | Common (bloating, cramping) |
| Additional Benefits | Pyruvate (energy + antioxidant) | None |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Research Base | Limited (fewer studies) | Extensive (>500 studies) |
15. COMPARISON: CREATINE PYRUVATE vs. CREATINE CITRATE
| Property | Creatine Pyruvate | Creatine Citrate |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine Content | ~60% | ~50% |
| Solubility | Good | Good (better than monohydrate) |
| Additional Benefits | Pyruvate (energy + antioxidant) | Citrate (Krebs cycle intermediate) |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate |
| Research Base | Limited | Limited |
16. COMPARISON: CREATINE PYRUVATE vs. CALCIUM PYRUVATE
| Property | Creatine Pyruvate | Calcium Pyruvate |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Sports nutrition (muscle performance) | Weight management (fat metabolism) |
| Creatine Content | ~60% | None |
| Pyruvate Content | ~40% | ~70-80% |
| Mechanism | ATP regeneration + TCA cycle | TCA cycle |
| Best For | Strength, power, endurance | Weight loss, endurance |
17. RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
| User Type | Daily Dose | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational Athlete (Pre-workout) | 2,000 – 3,000 mg | 30-60 min pre-workout | 4-8 weeks |
| Competitive Athlete | 3,000 – 5,000 mg | Pre-workout + post-workout (split) | 8-12 weeks |
| Strength Training | 3,000 – 5,000 mg | Pre-workout | 8-12 weeks |
| Endurance Training | 2,000 – 4,000 mg | Pre-workout | 4-8 weeks |
| Loading Phase | Not typically required (may need less or no loading) | — | — |
Note: Creatine pyruvate may not require a loading phase due to better absorption and faster plasma creatine increase.
18. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute oral toxicity (rat, LD₅₀) | >2,000 mg/kg (estimated) |
| Acute dermal toxicity | >2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin irritation | Mildly irritating |
| Eye irritation | Mildly irritating |
| Skin sensitization | Not a sensitizer |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Mutagenicity | Negative |
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal conditions of use.
Potential Side Effects (at high doses >5-10 g/day):
-
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, nausea)
-
Diarrhea (osmotic effect)
-
Cramping (rare)
19. STORAGE AND HANDLING
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 2 – 8 °C (refrigerated preferred) |
| Container | Tightly sealed (hygroscopic) |
| Humidity | Low humidity |
| Light Protection | Protect from direct sunlight |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (under proper storage) |
| Special Precautions | Store in cool, dry place. Keep container tightly closed. |
20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL INFORMATION
Description: Creatine Pyruvate (CAS 55965-97-4) is a salt formed from creatine and pyruvic acid, typically in a ~60:40 ratio (60% creatine, 40% pyruvate). It is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 219.20 g/mol. In the stomach, it dissociates into creatine and pyruvic acid, providing dual benefits: creatine supports rapid ATP regeneration (anaerobic energy), and pyruvate enters the TCA cycle for aerobic energy production. Creatine pyruvate also provides antioxidant effects via pyruvate, reducing exercise-induced oxidative stress.
Key Advantages:
-
Dual energy pathway support (creatine for anaerobic, pyruvate for aerobic)
-
May have faster absorption than creatine monohydrate
-
Better gastrointestinal tolerance (less bloating, cramping)
-
Antioxidant properties (pyruvate neutralizes free radicals)
-
May not require a loading phase
-
Supports both muscle strength and endurance
Key Limitations/Considerations:
-
Lower creatine content per gram (~60% vs. ~88% for monohydrate)
-
Higher cost than creatine monohydrate
-
Limited research base (fewer studies than creatine monohydrate)
-
Hygroscopic (requires refrigerated storage, 2-8°C)
-
Acidic pH (may cause tooth enamel erosion if used in powder form without rinsing)
Major Applications Summary:
| Sector | Primary Uses |
|---|---|
| Sports Nutrition | Pre-workout, post-workout recovery, strength training, endurance |
| Energy Metabolism | Supports both anaerobic and aerobic energy production |
| Antioxidant | Reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress |
| Weight Management | May support fat metabolism (research stage) |
| Neurological Research | Neuroprotective studies (research stage) |
Comparison to Creatine Monohydrate:
| Property | Creatine Pyruvate | Creatine Monohydrate |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine content per gram | ~60% (lower) | ~88% (higher) |
| GI tolerance | Better (less bloating) | Moderate (may cause bloating) |
| Absorption | May be faster | Standard |
| Loading phase | May not be required | 20 g/day loading |
| Additional benefits | Pyruvate (energy + antioxidant) | None |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Research base | Limited | Extensive |
Typical Dosage: 2,000 – 5,000 mg/day (pre-workout or split dose)
Safety Summary:
-
Low to moderate acute toxicity
-
Generally safe at recommended doses (2-5 g/day)
-
Better GI tolerance than creatine monohydrate
-
Not classified as hazardous
Storage: Refrigerated (2-8°C), airtight, dry; 24 months shelf life.
Conclusion: Creatine Pyruvate is a dual-action sports nutrition ingredient that combines the anaerobic energy benefits of creatine with the aerobic energy and antioxidant benefits of pyruvate. It offers better gastrointestinal tolerance than creatine monohydrate and may provide faster absorption. While it contains less creatine per gram (~60%) and is more expensive than creatine monohydrate, the addition of pyruvate provides unique advantages for both strength and endurance athletes. Creatine pyruvate is suitable for pre-workout and post-workout formulations, supporting ATP regeneration, reducing oxidative stress, and improving both anaerobic and aerobic performance. For individuals who experience gastrointestinal distress with creatine monohydrate, creatine pyruvate may be a better-tolerated alternative.
