A chelate comprised of creatine bonded to an essential mineral selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Co, Mo, Se and Mn to form a heterocyclic ring. Preferably, the metal is Mg, but Ca, Zn, Fe, Cr and Mn are also preferred. The creatine chelates of the present invention are capable of being absorbed in the stomach or intestines via active transport without substantial metabolism of the chelate. In other words, the creatine ligand is protected by the metal from undergoing cyclization in the acidic environment of the stomach and the metal is made more bioavailable due to the presence of the creatine ligand.