Anyone have any thoughts on creatines effects on the kidney. I know excess protein can damage the kidneys, how about any other supplements?

Thanks

KIT:eat:

Creatine is fine for a person who has healthy kidneys. Same for high levels of protein.

People with kidney problems should avoid both.

Creatine is fine for a person who has healthy kidneys. Same for high levels of protein.

People with kidney problems should avoid both.

Agreed. Right now I am in the renal section of pre-clinical med school and high protein/creatine intake will just increase your BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and urine creatinine respectively. Unless you have a pre-existing kidney disorder. Your kidneys are fine compensating.

The same is true actually of a high salt intake diet. Initially it will cause water retention but within a couple of days your kidneys will compensate and stop the weight gain. It doesn't give you hypertension although it worsens it if you already have preexisting disease.

Anyone have any thoughts on creatines effects on the kidney. I know excess protein can damage the kidneys, how about any other supplements?

Thanks

KIT:eat: Only if you have damaged kidneys or a pre-existing condition.

If you want a kick-ass journal review on creatine:

http://physrev.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/80/3/1107

If you want a report that educates from a sports/bodybuilder perspective... this (http://www.creatine-report.com/download-creatinereport.htm) is really good.

I wouldn't say that I have a pre-existing condition...I just was prone to Uric Acid based stones a few years ago. I scaled back my red meat consumption and haven't had any stones in a couple years. I was just concerned about in increased protein and creatine adding to my chances of developing issues.

Thanks

KIT:D

Since I've started consuming large amounts of protein (250g-300g) per day I've been concerned over potential problems with renal health. I've had renal problems since birth and have had several kidney stones. I go yearly for a check-up to one of the best urologists in the nation at one of the best hospitals (Johns Hopkins). My last visit was in May and I specifically asked my doctor about increased protein consumption. After reviewing my ultrasound (which showed I still had a stone in my left kidney--even after lithrotripsy), he simply told me to keep my water intake VERY high. Consuming large amounts of protein, at least in my case, is fine if you maintain a healthy intake of water (1.5-2 gal per day).

Anyway, I personally feel the risk associated with increased protein/creatine intake is overblown. Before I began a healthy lifestyle I frequently had sharp pain in the kidney region. Since I began eating healthy and drinking lots of water these episodes have all but disappeared.

Of course, YMMV. :tu:

I hear what you are saying Thrust.

I tried Creatine twice for a couple of months, and I got stronger. So- I understand your wanting to use it. (I just wanted to be able to answer that question for people from my own experience- so it was a test!)

I think you are right about the water. Drink a lot of water, and you should fine... as long as your kidneys are healthy when you start. Ask your doctor before you start. Watch for warning signals: pain, blood in urine, that stuff...

Good Luck...

Jen