Background: Creatine monohydrate has been consistently shown to improve muscle mass when paired with resistance training. Combat Creatine is a multi-ingredient supplement designed to enhance these effects through synergistic pathways.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of 12 weeks of Combat Creatine supplementation on muscle hypertrophy in resistance-trained individuals.
Methods: Forty male participants (age 20–35) with at least one year of resistance training experience were randomized into either a Combat Creatine group (n = 20) or a placebo group (n = 20) in a double-blind study design. All participants followed an identical, supervised resistance training protocol. Primary outcome: change in upper arm circumference measured biweekly with standardized anthropometry. Secondary measures included training volume and self-reported recovery.
Results: After 12 weeks, the Combat Creatine group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in arm circumference (Δ +3.2 cm, p < 0.001) compared to the placebo group (Δ +1.2 cm). Training volume was also higher in the creatine group (p = 0.02), suggesting enhanced performance capacity. The divergence between groups was most pronounced after Week 6.
Conclusion: Combat Creatine supplementation led to superior hypertrophic outcomes compared to placebo, driven by enhanced energy availability, cellular swelling, and anabolic signaling.
Keywords: creatine, hypertrophy, resistance training, cell swelling, phosphocreatine, muscle mass
Creatine monohydrate is a well-established ergogenic aid. Combat Creatine is a novel formulation combining creatine with mitochondrial cofactors, adaptogens, and anabolic signaling modulators. This study investigates its efficacy on hypertrophic adaptations beyond training alone.
40 healthy, resistance-trained men (mean age 27.2 ± 3.6 years) completed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Participants consumed one daily dose of Combat Creatine or a placebo (isocaloric and flavor-matched). Combat Creatine contained:
Participants followed a 4-day/week, hypertrophy-focused program (push-pull-legs-upper). Total training volume was logged.
Upper arm circumference was measured biweekly at the mid-bicep in a fasted state using a flexible tape.
Combat Creatine Group:
Placebo Group:
Note: Divergence became noticeable after Week 4 and increased through Weeks 8–12.
Total training volume was 11.7% higher in the Combat Creatine group (p = 0.02), suggesting better recovery and ATP regeneration.
The hypertrophic advantage of Combat Creatine likely stems from several synergistic mechanisms:
These findings confirm creatine’s role in supporting strength and body composition changes during resistance training.
Combat Creatine significantly improved hypertrophy outcomes versus placebo over 12 weeks. Its blend of creatine, adaptogens, and nootropics may support both physiological and neurological conditions for optimal muscle growth.
We thank all study participants and lab staff for their dedication throughout the trial.
No competing interests declared. This research was not funded by any supplement manufacturer.