Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is investigated as an athletic and exercise aid primarily due to its role as a direct precursor to creatine, a well-established ergogenic compound. Scientific studies have shown that oral supplementation with GAA increases serum and muscle creatine levels, potentially leading to improved exercise performance, strength, and muscle mass—effects commonly associated with creatine supplementation. Randomized controlled trials and pilot studies have demonstrated that GAA may enhance muscle strength and anaerobic performance in both healthy individuals and athletes, though the body of evidence is modest and not as extensive as that for creatine itself.

For example, a systematic review published in 2019 highlighted that GAA supplementation can increase intramuscular creatine stores and, in some cases, improve measures of muscular strength and power. However, the magnitude of these benefits appears to be similar to, or slightly less than, those observed with direct creatine supplementation. Concerns remain about dosing, long-term safety (notably potential increases in homocysteine levels), and the optimal population for use. Despite these limitations, the mechanistic rationale and preliminary human studies provide scientific validation for the use of GAA as an exercise aid, though more robust and long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

More about Guanidinoacetic acid
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Other health conditions supported by Guanidinoacetic acid

Athletic and Exercise Aids
Depression
Fatigue
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Wasting

Products containing Guanidinoacetic acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.