[Effects of creatine supplementation on renal function]

Rev Med Chil. 2019 May;147(5):628-633. doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872019000500628.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Creatine supplements may transitorily rise serum creatinine levels and mimic a kidney disease. If its use is associated with a high protein diet, the resulting increase in blood urea nitrogen will increase the confusion. Since clinical laboratories usually inform the estimated glomerular filtration rate based on serum creatinine, its elevation may lead to over diagnose a chronic renal failure, with the inherent personal and public health consequences. Creatine supplements are safe and do not cause renal disease. Reports of kidney damage associated with its use are scanty. However, creatine supplements should not be used in people with chronic renal disease or using potentially nephrotoxic medications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Creatine / adverse effects*
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / drug effects*
  • Kidney / physiopathology*
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Kidney Diseases / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Creatinine
  • Creatine