Review: Nutrex Volu-Gro Creatine Glycogen Loader!

"...the Waxy Maize Starch element in Volu-Gro restores muscular glycogen (muscle energy) faster than dextrose or maltodextrin. This makes Volu-Gro the ideal post workout creatine formula since it not only delivers more creatine to the muscles, but also replenishes glycogen stores much quicker causing the muscle cells to become super-hydrated while speeding up recovery more efficiently than any other glucose polymer or monomer (dextrose, maltodextrin, sucrose, fructose etc.). The overall result is much greater muscle cell volumization, protein synthesis, and nutrient transport; all major factors contributing to enhanced muscle growth."

Nutrex "creatine glycogen loader" Volu-Gro is a simple supplement. Looking past the additives (i.e., flavoring, sweetener and electrolytes), there are only two primary ingredients: creatine and carbs.

In other words, it's a creatine delivery system, not unlike Cell Tech Hardcore or Phosphagen Elite, except the carb source isn't dextrose (D-glucose)...it's waxy maize starch.

Although waxy maize starch is a "complex carbohydrate" and is "sugar-free," it's still a readily digestible, high-GI carb source that can replace more traditional choices, such as dextrose or maltodextrin, for pre-/post-workout nutrition.

More importantly, waxy maize may offer some advantages over dextrose or maltodextrin. Studies on high molecular weight glucose polymer (starch) solutions demonstrate they empty from the stomach faster and increase the rate of glycogen resynthesis after a workout. One study even demonstrated a subsequent performance benefit, when consumed following prolonged exercise.

Does waxy maize starch actually enhance creatine absorption too?

While there are no published studies to confirm this, it's highly likely that it does...after all, simple sugars do.

Since waxy maize starch is comparable to dextrose and low-molecular weight glucose polymers with respect to its ability to increase serum glucose and insulin, there's no reason to doubt it would be just as effective.

Volu-Gro's history confirms this.

It's actually a reincarnation of another Nutrex product: Vitargo-CGL—the only difference is that waxy maize has been swapped for the patented, trademarked Vitargo (which is currently sourced from barley).

Vitargo-CGL garnered some pretty solid reviews from users, who liked the fact that it was non-bloating and offered good pumps, in addition to providing the mass and strength gains associated with creatine. The limited feedback I've seen on Volu-Gro indicates the same—it just handles better (which was why Nutrex made the switch: Vitargo tends to form gelatinous lumps on stirring or shaking).

All in all, Volu-Gro looks like a solid, no-nonsense product that should work well to enhance creatine uptake and facilitate post-workout recovery. If you're looking for a well-made creatine delivery system, it's worth a look—and available at BodyBuilding.com, our recommended online retailer.

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