“I’m absolutely convinced that creatine is something everyone needs to be on. When you look at how it impacts cellular energy, strength, brain fog, and aging – it’s really a game changer, especially for women in midlife.” – Mark Faulkner
As a pioneer in creatine research, Mark Faulkner brings groundbreaking insights about what may be the most misunderstood and underutilized supplement for women’s health. In this eye-opening conversation, Mark shares how his journey from developing NFL steroid testing to becoming America’s only creatine manufacturer led to revolutionary discoveries about this powerful compound. We dive deep into why the common forms of creatine can cause uncomfortable bloating for 76% of women – and how his innovative creatine HCL formulation is changing the game with superior absorption and none of the typical side effects.
What you’ll learn:
– Why creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders – it’s essential for brain health, immune function, and cellular energy at every age
– The truth about creatine absorption and why the standard forms may be causing unnecessary bloating and water retention
– How creatine can be a powerful ally during perimenopause and menopause for maintaining muscle, bone density and mental clarity
– The groundbreaking research showing creatine’s potential for supporting cognitive health and fighting neurodegeneration
– Why American manufacturing and rigorous testing protocols matter when it comes to supplement quality and safety
Resources Mentioned in this episode
7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge
Shop Oura Rings
Reignite Wellness™ Bars
Vital Choice wild-caught seafood
Reignite Wellness™ Magnesium Body Calm
Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet
Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet
Get 10% off your first order of SHEatine! Use Code JJ10 to redeem. One use per customer
Episode Sponsors:
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Aging is a privilege, but aging powerfully is a choice — are you ready to embrace it?
I'm JJ Virgin, a triple-board-certified health expert with over four decades of innovation in wellness. I'm living proof that your best years aren't determined by age but by your effort and attitude, and I want to share my secrets with you!
You'll learn to refuel your body, renew your passion, and reignite your wellness. We'll dismantle hidden food intolerances, reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar, and sculpt a body that reflects your inner strength and vitality. Whether you’re 40, 70, or anywhere in between, it's never too late to start living with more energy and confidence.
Join my community, and let's prove that the prime of our lives can begin at any moment. It's not just about adding years to your life, but life to your years. Together, we’ll transform the way you live, proving that the best is yet to come.
– JJ Virgin
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I’ve been taking creatine monohydrate for about six months now and I recently had blood work done my bun was elevated should I continue taking creatine?
No one can tell you here. Only the doctor.
**Debunking Mark Faulkner’s Claim About Creatine HCl vs. Monohydrate**
Mark Faulkner, the creator of Kre-Alkalyn creatine, claims that Creatine HCl has superior absorption compared to Creatine Monohydrate, but the science doesn’t support this.
Creatine Monohydrate is already ~99% absorbed, meaning almost all of it gets used by your muscles. There’s no significant room for “better absorption.”
Creatine HCl is more water-soluble, which means it dissolves faster in liquid—but that doesn’t mean it’s absorbed or utilized better in the body.
Thousands of studies confirm Monohydrate’s effectiveness, while HCl has little independent research proving superiority.
Dosing difference is marketing hype—HCl brands say you can take less (1.5–2g vs. 5g), but no study shows this leads to equal muscle saturation over time.
Bottom line: If HCl was truly better, it would have outperformed Monohydrate in strength, muscle gain, or ATP production—but it hasn’t. The only real advantage of HCl is that it mixes easier. Monohydrate is still the gold standard for results and value.
#CreatineFacts #ScienceOverHype
I stumbled on to your channel a few days ago because for the first time in my life, I’m working out (at 53) and was looking for a good workout for menopausal women. Today I stumbled into this podcast and Im like ..WOW!! Blown away at all this information. I’m not a body builder, just an average woman, trying to feel better during these horrible menopause years. I feel like I’ve been run over by a train after my small workouts and I’m so looking forward to trying creatine, hopefully without the bloating because, menopause has me looking pregnant as it is. Thank you so much for the information ❤
I cannot find the link to sheatine?? I dont see it in the store either?