From the Guidelines
If creatine supplement is affecting creatinine levels, it is recommended to discontinue the supplement, especially if there is evidence of renal dysfunction, as suggested by the study published in The Lancet Neurology 1. When considering the impact of creatine supplements on creatinine levels, it's crucial to understand that creatine is converted to creatinine in the body, which can lead to artificially elevated serum creatinine levels. This does not necessarily indicate kidney damage but can interfere with the accuracy of medical tests that rely on creatinine as a marker for kidney function. Some key points to consider include:
- Creatine supplementation can elevate serum creatinine levels without causing kidney damage.
- The elevation in creatinine levels due to creatine supplementation can complicate the interpretation of kidney function tests.
- Stopping creatine supplements before blood work can ensure more accurate results for kidney function tests.
- It is essential to inform healthcare providers about all supplements being taken, including creatine, to ensure comprehensive care and accurate test interpretations. Given the information from the study 1, the primary concern is the potential for creatine supplements to mask or complicate the diagnosis of renal dysfunction, emphasizing the need to discontinue the supplement if renal issues are suspected.
From the Research
Creatine Supplementation and Creatinine Levels
- Creatine supplementation may increase serum creatinine levels, but this does not necessarily indicate kidney dysfunction, as creatine is spontaneously converted into creatinine 2, 3, 4.
- The increase in creatinine levels may lead to an overdiagnosis of chronic renal failure, especially if the individual is also consuming a high-protein diet 3.
Safety of Creatine Supplementation
- Creatine supplements have been shown to be safe for human consumption, with no significant effects on kidney function in healthy individuals 2, 5.
- However, individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those taking potentially nephrotoxic medications should avoid using creatine supplements 3, 5, 4.
Recommendations for Creatine Supplementation
- If creatine supplementation is affecting creatinine levels, it is not necessarily a reason to stop taking the supplement, as the increase in creatinine levels does not indicate kidney dysfunction 2, 3.
- However, individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those at risk of kidney dysfunction should consult with their healthcare provider before taking creatine supplements 3, 5, 4.