Evaluation of the Effect of Clonapure® Versus Creatine Monohydrate on ATP Levels in a C2C12 Muscle Cell Line

Background: Creatine is one of the most widespread dietary supplements among athletes and weightlifters. It is most commonly administered as creatine monohydrate, which transforms into phosphocreatine once within the muscle, which leads to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Clonapure® is a functional ingredient which consists of a combination of creatine monohydrate, phosphate salt and phosphocreatine. It is believed that Clonapure® has an impact on muscular ATP synthesis due to its phosphocreatine content. A comparative in vitro study was carried to evaluate the potential effect of Clonapure® on ATP synthesis versus creatine monohydrate. Methods: A C2C12 myoblast cell line finally differentiated into myotubes was used. Bioaviability of samples was measured at 24h through biocompatibility studies. Myotubes were also exposed to samples at different concentrations for 2h and intracellular ATP levels were evaluated througha ergular validated luminescence methos. Glucose was used as positive control. Results: The increase in intracellular ATP levels induced by Clonapure® was 10% higher than the caused by creatine monohydrate and glucose, which both showed similar effects in ATP synthesis. The combination of creatine-phosphate phosphate and creatine monohydrate contained in Clonapure® triggers the intracellular ATP production cascade more efficiently in muscle cells. Dose response analysis revealed that Clonapure® supplementation could boost conveniently physical activities related to endurance and performance.