Creatine and Kidney Disease Summary
- The study found no significant association between creatine and kidney disease or renal function. The study confirms that creatine does not cause kidney dysfunction, even in high doses.
- The results provide evidence-based reassurance for fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders that creatine supplementation is safe for kidney health, promoting informed and scientifically backed decision-making.
- Overall, the evidence supports the safety of creatine supplementation concerning kidney function. The notion that creatine causes kidney dysfunction is not substantiated by high-quality research and should be dispelled to provide accurate information to the public.
Creatine and Kidney Disease: Is Creatine a Kidney Killer?
In recent years, creatine supplementation has become a staple for fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders aiming to enhance their performance and muscle mass. Creatine, an endogenous molecule synthesized within the human body, has attracted considerable attention in sports nutrition and exercise physiology. As a dietary supplement, creatine has the potential to enhance athletic performance, particularly in activities characterized by high intensity and short duration, such as soccer and sprinting.
Despite its popularity, there has been widespread misinformation suggesting that creatine use can lead to kidney dysfunction. Numerous websites and anecdotal reports claim that creatine damages the kidneys, causing concern among users. However, a recent study, “Exploring the Relationship Between Creatine Supplementation and Renal Function: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Analysis,” provides compelling evidence that challenges this narrative. (Zhou et al., 2024)
Review of the Literature on Creatine and Kidney Disease
Whether creatine supplementation affects renal function remains debatable in existing research. Some studies propose that high doses of creatine may have detrimental effects on renal function, particularly in individuals with preexisting renal conditions. Conversely, other research indicates that when used at recommended doses, creatine does not harm renal function in healthy individuals.(Hall & Trojian, 2013; Kim et al., 2011; Longobardi et al., 2023) For instance, a 2019 study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, concluding that creatine supplementation does not significantly impact renal function. (Gowayed et al., 2019) Moreover, evidence suggests that creatine supplementation may benefit individuals susceptible to impaired kidney function, such as the elderly and those with type 2 diabetes (Gowayed et al., 2019). Despite these reassuring findings, the fitness community remains skeptical due to the prevalence of online misinformation.
Overview of the Study Protocol
In the new study by Zhou et al., researchers examined the use of creatine and kidney function and hypothesized that creatine supplementation might adversely affect renal function. The researchers utilized a Mendelian randomization approach, which leverages genetic variants as proxies to examine the relationship between creatine levels and renal function. This method helps bypass many confounders and biases typically present in observational studies.
Participants’ data were collected through an online survey involving 1,129 respondents. The survey included questions about demographics, creatine usage, and renal health perceptions. The genetic data were obtained from Genome-wide association studies, focusing on six renal function indicators: serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum uric acid, urinary microalbumin, creatinine enzymatic in urine, and blood urea nitrogen levels.
Results: No Relationship Between Creatine and Kidney Damage
The study found no significant association between creatine usage and renal function among the participants. The MR analysis further supported these findings, showing no significant correlation between creatine levels and the six renal function indicators. Additionally, the study found no significant differences in creatine usage based on age groups or gender. However, it was noted that creatine users had a significantly lower BMI than non-users, suggesting a potential positive effect of creatine on BMI reduction.
Summary of the Study on Creatine and Kidney Disease
The complex interplay between creatine levels and renal function has garnered significant attention from the fitness and medical communities. In this study, the researchers used six different biomarkers, which included blood urea nitrogen, urinary creatinine enzymatic, eGFR, urinary microalbumin, serum creatinine, and serum uric acid levels, to comprehensively evaluate renal function, with each biomarker offering a unique perspective on kidney function, collectively providing a robust framework for assessing renal health. Particularly noteworthy is the combined use of blood urea nitrogen, urinary microalbumin, and eGFR, which is essential for the early detection of kidney damage, underscoring their clinical significance.
The study’s findings are crucial in dispelling the myth that creatine supplementation negatively impacts renal function. The researchers provided robust evidence that creatine levels do not cause renal dysfunction. This aligns with previous research indicating that creatine is safe for renal health when used appropriately.(Antonio et al., 2021)
The study also highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making in the fitness community. Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders can be reassured that creatine supplementation, at recommended doses, does not pose a risk to their renal health. This evidence is vital in countering the misinformation prevalent on various platforms. The results indicate no significant causal link between creatine levels and renal function. These findings also suggest that concerns regarding creatine supplementation as a potential trigger for renal issues may not be justified. This could alleviate apprehensions within the fitness community, promoting evidence-based decision-making regarding creatine supplementation.
Practical Applications for Creatine Use
The results of this study have significant practical applications for fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. Understanding that creatine does not adversely affect renal function allows users to make informed decisions about their supplementation routines. Here are some key takeaways:
Safe Supplementation: Creatine can be used safely at recommended doses without fear of kidney damage.
Performance Enhancement: Creatine remains an effective supplement for enhancing athletic performance, particularly in high-intensity, short-duration activities.
Informed Decisions: Fitness enthusiasts should base their supplementation choices on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal reports or misinformation.
Monitoring Health: Individuals with preexisting kidney conditions should consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplementation regimen.
Conclusion
These results are pivotal in addressing the widespread misinformation that creatine causes kidney dysfunction. Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders can confidently use creatine to enhance their performance without worrying about adverse effects on their kidneys. As always, evidence-based decision-making is crucial for optimizing health and fitness outcomes.
References
Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Gualano, B., Jagim, A. R., Kreider, R. B., Rawson, E. S., Smith-Ryan, A. E., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Willoughby, D. S., & Ziegenfuss, T. N. (2021). Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00412-w
Gowayed, M. A., Mahmoud, S. A., Elsayed, Y. A., Abu-Samra, N., & Kamel, M. (2019). Enhanced Mitochondrial Biogenesis Is Associated With the Ameliorative Action of Creatine Supplementation in Rat Soleus and Cardiac Muscles. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2019.8173
Hall, M., & Trojian, T. H. (2013). Creatine supplementation. Curr Sports Med Rep, 12(4), 240-244. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31829cdff2
Kim, H. J., Kim, C. K., Carpentier, A., & Poortmans, J. R. (2011). Studies on the safety of creatine supplementation. Amino Acids, 40(5), 1409-1418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-011-0878-2
Longobardi, I., Gualano, B., Seguro, A. C., & Roschel, H. (2023). Is It Time for a Requiem for Creatine Supplementation-Induced Kidney Failure? A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 15(6), 1466. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061466
Zhou, B., Hong, M., Jin, L., & Ling, K. (2024). Exploring the relationship between creatine supplementation and renal function: insights from Mendelian randomization analysis. Renal Failure, 46(2), 2364762. https://doi.org/10.1080/0886022X.2024.2364762
