I am surprised to learn that so many people prefer to take creatine with ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) - thank you Mr. Cell Tech.
I think this is not a good idea at all.
ALA increases insulin sensitivity of the muscle cells and therefore allows for a drop in blood glucose through enhanced glucose transport (not creatine transport!) into the muscle. This drop in blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity in turn results in a subsequent decrease of insulin output by the pancreas. You make insulin more efficient, your body will need less! Since maximum creatine uptake into the muscle cells is primarily dependent on the amount of insulin present in the blood, taking ALA works against this. Same goes for chromium, vanadyl and all the other so called insulin sensitizers. They don't activate or promote insulin release, they rather prevent insulin release. This might have some health advantages in the long run but it certainly doesn't promote creatine uptake.
Testoman
I think this is not a good idea at all.
ALA increases insulin sensitivity of the muscle cells and therefore allows for a drop in blood glucose through enhanced glucose transport (not creatine transport!) into the muscle. This drop in blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity in turn results in a subsequent decrease of insulin output by the pancreas. You make insulin more efficient, your body will need less! Since maximum creatine uptake into the muscle cells is primarily dependent on the amount of insulin present in the blood, taking ALA works against this. Same goes for chromium, vanadyl and all the other so called insulin sensitizers. They don't activate or promote insulin release, they rather prevent insulin release. This might have some health advantages in the long run but it certainly doesn't promote creatine uptake.
Testoman