Di-acetyl Creatine Ethyl Ester (Di-CEE)
A next-generation ester investigated for improved membrane permeability and neurological delivery, still confined to laboratory studies.
Di-acetyl modification aims to protect creatine through the GI tract and enhance blood-brain barrier transport before enzymatic cleavage releases active creatine.
Quick facts
- Status
- Research-only
- Objective
- Improve brain uptake and stability
- Availability
- Not legally marketed as a supplement
Who it helps most
- Currently limited to clinical trials investigating neurological outcomes
Limitations & cautions
- No commercial availability
- Safety profile still being established
- Requires regulatory oversight
Research highlights
Promising neurological delivery
A 2017 Neuroscience Letters study showed enhanced brain uptake in rodent models, suggesting potential for treating creatine transporter deficiencies.
Sources: Neuroscience Letters – Di-acetyl creatine ethyl ester study
Why researchers care
Standard creatine struggles to cross the blood-brain barrier in certain deficiency syndromes. Di-acetyl modifications may ferry creatine more efficiently, offering hope for neurological indications.
Not for consumer use
Because dosing, toxicity, and long-term outcomes are unknown, di-CEE remains under investigation and should not appear in retail supplements.
Next steps in research
Future studies will need to confirm human pharmacokinetics, transporter interactions, and whether neurological improvements translate to functional outcomes.
Practical dosing
Investigational—human dosing has not been established.
Sourcing checklist
Restricted to licensed laboratories with ethics approval.
Related creatine types
Compare with other creatine formats to find the best fit for your needs.
View all creatine types →Sources
Neuroscience Letters – Di-acetyl creatine ethyl ester study
Describes preclinical brain-delivery data.
Visit source