Creatine

[alex9026]

I had results back from a blood test. The Doctor said I was dehydrated which doesn't suprise me as it was one hour after an Erg session during last week's hot weather. However, he asked if I use creatine and advised that I stop for four weeks before going back for further bloods. His argument is that it could be affecting my kidney function, but I've yet to read any scientific literature supporting this theory.

I'm not here to ask anybody to suggest I go against my doctor's advice, I can spend the money on cake instead, but curious as to anyone else's experience regarding dehydration and kidney issues. Happy to share that this is off the back of my concerns surrounding a lump in my lower abdomen which I presumed to be (another) hernia.

[Sakly]

As far as I know there are plenty of studies indicating creatine is not affecting kidney function. Creatinine is not a good indicator/marker for kidney function either, this is already well known, too.

As I don't take creatine (might be a no-brainer...but...yeah), I have no idea about the difference it makes, when you stop.
Based on what I read and viewed, my opinion is that creatine is a very safe supplement and will do no harm.

What makes me a bit thoughtful is the fact, that your doctor tells you it could be problematic, but not pointing out why/how that could happen. Did you even ask?

[micc2]

Good points. I've also heard that creatinine levels can be misleading in people who work out or take creatine. It makes sense that your doctor might just want to rule out variables before retesting.

Dehydration can throw things off, too. Has anyone here actually seen changes in kidney markers after stopping creatine for a while?

Hope the lump turns out to be nothing serious.

[nick rockliff]

I had results back from a blood test. The Doctor said I was dehydrated which doesn't suprise me as it was one hour after an Erg session during last week's hot weather. However, he asked if I use creatine and advised that I stop for four weeks before going back for further bloods. His argument is that it could be affecting my kidney function, but I've yet to read any scientific literature supporting this theory.

I'm not here to ask anybody to suggest I go against my doctor's advice, I can spend the money on cake instead, but curious as to anyone else's experience regarding dehydration and kidney issues. Happy to share that this is off the back of my concerns surrounding a lump in my lower abdomen which I presumed to be (another) hernia.

Buy cake.

[Dangerscouse]

My first thought is, how much do you drink in a day, and wouldn't increasing that be an option? I probably drink about four litres in total, i.e., plain water, green tea, and coffee.

I do take creatine, partly as Dangerspouse does (proven to be very useful for menopause) but I'd not have an issue with stopping it if I was advised to. I'm not convinced that it's much use, but for the price and ease of having it, I don't see a reason not to.

[Tsnor]

Look at your blood test results.

Find what has your doctor worried about kidney disease. Blood work is pretty basic, you'll see your results and the normal range. Look at the items that are out of range.

<pure guess> your doc is trying to figure out if you have kidney disease and wants to rule out creatine use giving a false positive for kidney disease. For example creatinine levels can signal kidney disease. Creatine supplements can increase serum creatinine levels. Taking creatine supplements could possible create a false positive for kidney disease. For example this paper details creatine supplements leading to a misdiagnosis of renal failure when in fact everything was fine. ".. ingestion of creatine ethyl ester can mimic the blood results expected in advanced renal failure.." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/P ... e%20normal.

There is very minor concern with using creatine when you have pre-existing kidney disease (example see this survey study): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30367015/ but <pure guess> that's not key here.

To beat a dead horse <pure guess> this is not about creatine supplements causing any problems, this is about making sure your kidneys aren't failing for an unrelated reason. Stop anything that is going to mess up your bloodwork and get your blood work redone. Don't exercise hard within 12 hours of test. Do 12 hour fast if doctor said to. If your kidneys are failing you really want to know that.

<not a doctor disclaimer>

[alex9026]

What makes me a bit thoughtful is the fact, that your doctor tells you it could be problematic, but not pointing out why/how that could happen. Did you even ask?

He wasn't entirely clear, just stated stop using it, it could be affecting kidney function and that I'm to go back in four weeks... He also didn't state that kidney function is of any concern. I intend to book an appointment after my next test rather than what felt like a rushed phone call.

Hope the lump turns out to be nothing serious.

Thank you, on the basis I've no other symptoms I'm not overly concerned (without being too blasé about it).

Buy cake.

Always a sensible choice!

My first thought is, how much do you drink in a day, and wouldn't increasing that be an option? I probably drink about four litres in total, i.e., plain water, green tea, and coffee.

I don't monitor it, very much a 'drink when thirsty approach'. Should probably pay closer attention.

[alex9026]

Look at your blood test results.

Find what has your doctor worried about kidney disease. Blood work is pretty basic, you'll see your results and the normal range. Look at the items that are out of range.

<pure guess> your doc is trying to figure out if you have kidney disease and wants to rule out creatine use giving a false positive for kidney disease. For example creatinine levels can signal kidney disease. Creatine supplements can increase serum creatinine levels. Taking creatine supplements could possible create a false positive for kidney disease. For example this paper details creatine supplements leading to a misdiagnosis of renal failure when in fact everything was fine. ".. ingestion of creatine ethyl ester can mimic the blood results expected in advanced renal failure.." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/P ... e%20normal.

There is very minor concern with using creatine when you have pre-existing kidney disease (example see this survey study): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30367015/ but <pure guess> that's not key here.

To beat a dead horse <pure guess> this is not about creatine supplements causing any problems, this is about making sure your kidneys aren't failing for an unrelated reason. Stop anything that is going to mess up your bloodwork and get your blood work redone. Don't exercise hard within 12 hours of test. Do 12 hour fast if doctor said to. If your kidneys are failing you really want to know that.

<not a doctor disclaimer>

I think you've summarised my thoughts and on reflection, this sounds like a "let's rule this out" kind of approach and naturally, I've no qualms with that. Equally, I feel the dehydration has likely skewed the results