Creatine Ethyl Ester

Creatine ethyl ester, also known as creatine ester, cre-ester and CEE, is a substance sold as an aid for athletic performance and for muscle development in bodybuilding. It is an ethyl ester derivative of creatine, from which it is made. In the body, CEE is converted back into creatine. CEE is said to have a much better absorption rate and a longer half-life in the body than regular creatine monohydrate, because it is slightly more lipophilic. It is also proposed to bypass the creatine transporter, thereby increasing skeletal muscle uptake of creatine and leading to an increased ability to regenerate ATP. However, in a published study comparing the two, CEE was not as effective at increasing serum and muscle creatine levels or in improving body composition, muscle mass, strength, and power.

As a supplement, the compound was developed, patented and licensed through UNeMed, the technology transfer entity of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and is sold under numerous brand names.