From the Guidelines
Individuals with existing kidney disease should avoid creatine supplementation due to the potential strain it may place on already compromised renal function. This recommendation is based on the understanding that creatine is processed by the kidneys and excreted in urine, and those with reduced kidney function may struggle to process and eliminate the additional creatine effectively 1.
Key Considerations
- Creatine supplementation is not recommended for people with kidney problems, as it may lead to further kidney stress and potentially worsen existing conditions.
- For healthy individuals, the typical recommended dose of creatine is 3-5 grams per day, usually taken as a powder mixed with water or juice, and is considered safe for long-term use in those without kidney issues.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for those with pre-existing kidney disease.
Potential Risks and Benefits
- The risks of creatine supplementation outweigh potential benefits for individuals with kidney disease, and they should focus on maintaining a kidney-friendly diet and exercise routine as recommended by their healthcare provider.
- There's no strong evidence suggesting creatine causes kidney disease in healthy individuals, but anyone experiencing symptoms like changes in urination, swelling, or fatigue while using creatine should discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately.
Clinical Implications
- Healthcare providers should advise patients with kidney disease to avoid creatine supplementation and monitor their kidney function regularly.
- Patients with kidney disease should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to help manage their condition and slow disease progression.
From the Research
Relationship Between Creatine Supplementation and Kidney Function
- The current evidence suggests that creatine supplementation does not have a significant impact on kidney function in healthy individuals without pre-existing kidney disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is recommended that individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those at risk of kidney dysfunction should avoid using creatine supplements 2, 3, 5.
- Some studies have reported that creatine supplementation may cause a temporary increase in serum creatinine levels, which could lead to an overestimation of kidney disease 3, 4.
- The long-term effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function are not well understood and require further research 6.
- High-dose creatine supplementation (>3-5 g/day) should be avoided in individuals with pre-existing renal disease or those with a potential risk for renal dysfunction 5.
Key Findings
- A review of 19 clinical and experimental articles found no significant effects of short-term and long-term creatine supplementation on kidney function in healthy athletes and bodybuilders 2.
- A study on a young man with a single kidney found that short-term creatine supplementation did not affect kidney function 4.
- Another study found that creatine supplementation did not cause any changes in liver and kidney function in healthy subjects, even after several months of supplementation 5.
- A review of the literature found that the majority of studies suggest that creatine supplementation does not have a significant impact on kidney function in healthy individuals, but more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects 6.