Transparent Labs: Can You Mix Growth Powder with Creatine?

A common question we receive is whether or not Transparent Labs Growth (phosphatidic Acid) can be combined with Creatine HMB. The short answer is yes—they can be combined.

However, combining supplements isn't just about stacking ingredients in hopes of striking muscle-building gold; it's about understanding the science behind how the ingredients work and interact with one another to achieve your fitness goals more efficiently and safely.

As such, this article will briefly overview the ergogenic effects of phosphatidic acid and creatine monohydrate to give you a better understanding of their distinct and potentially synergistic roles in muscle growth, recovery, and overall athletic performance enhancement.

Basics of Phosphatidic Acid and Creatine

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a phospholipid-derived signaling molecule known to play a pivotal role in cellular processes, including the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. At the molecular level, PA serves as an upstream activator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which is integral to anabolic processes in skeletal muscle [1]. This activation of mTOR subsequently enhances muscle protein synthesis, thereby facilitating muscle growth and recovery. 

Likewise, creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid-like molecule that's fundamental in the regeneration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. Creatine does this by bonding to a free phosphate group and carrying it to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), which rapidly replenishes ATP during high-intensity, short-duration exercise. This process is limited by the availability of creatine in muscle tissue, and supplementing with creatine (monohydrate) directly increases muscle creatine stores [2].

Benefits of Combining Transparent Labs Growth Powder with Creatine

The potential benefits of combining Transparent Labs Growth Powder (containing Mediator® phosphatidic acid) with Transparent Labs Creatine HMB encompass a range of physiological and performance-enhancing aspects. Phosphatidic acid is integral to cellular processes, particularly muscle protein synthesis, which researchers have linked to its activation of the mTOR pathway [3]. This anabolic signaling pathway is crucial for muscle growth, making phosphatidic acid a valuable supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. 

The ingredients in Creatine HMB, namely creatine monohydrate and HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate), possess complementary mechanisms of action to phosphatidic acid. Creatine monohydrate has long been established as one of the most effective sports supplements for increasing muscular strength, power, and lean mass [4].  Additionally, HMB, a natural metabolite of L-leucine, provides an anti-catabolic effect, reducing muscle protein breakdown and enhancing recovery [5]. 

Recent studies have explored the combined effects of creatine monohydrate plus HMB supplementation. These trials revealed a synergistic enhancement in aerobic capacity and anaerobic power during incremental exercise tests, thereby enhancing overall athletic performance [6, 7].  

Combining phosphatidic acid with creatine monohydrate (and HMB) leverages their distinct mechanisms—PA's activation of muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway and creatine's ATP-replenishing capability—to potentially yield synergistic benefits in muscle hypertrophy and performance. 

Combining Phosphatidic Acid and Creatine Monohydrate: Dosing Guidelines

When combining Transparent Labs Growth Powder (phosphatidic acid) with Transparent Labs Creatine HMB to ensure optimal results, proper dosing is imperative:

• For creatine monohydrate, a loading phase is often suggested for the first week, entailing 15-20 grams per day split into three to four 5-gram doses.

• This protocol is followed by a maintenance phase, where 3-5 grams per day is recommended. 

• The evidence-based dose of phosphatidic acid is 750 mg per day, ideally consumed pre-workout or before bed.

Practically speaking, users can mix Transparent Labs Growth Powder and Transparent Labs Creatine HMB in a single shake and consume it either before or after workouts, depending on individual preferences and schedules. Consistent adherence to these dosing guidelines, while maintaining a balanced diet and an appropriate resistance-training program, will likely yield the most significant improvements in muscle hypertrophy and overall athletic performance.