Effect of Creatine on Kidneys

In order to understand the effect of creatine on kidneys, you must first understand why our body needs creatine. Creatine is a naturally-occurring compound that is synthesized in the liver from essential amino acids called arginine, methionine and glycine. This amino acid derivative is stored in the skeletal muscles of our body. Though it is synthesized by the liver, it can also be obtained from certain dietary sources. The need for creatine is felt the most by those who perform intense workouts. It can boost one's muscle strength and provide the much-needed stamina for endurance training or workouts. Before I provide you with information on the side effects of creatine, let me tell you how the use of creatine pills can help in boosting athletic performance and endurance levels.

Relationship between Creatine and Muscle Activity

For creatine to be able to replenish the body with energy, certain chemical reactions must take place. This starts with the conversion of creatine into phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine, also known as creatine phosphate helps in supplying the body with phosphate, which in turn, helps in the conversion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP molecules provide the body with the energy needed for muscle contractions. A phosphate molecule is released in the process, and this is followed by conversion of ATP into ADP. Thus, reactions involving creatine, creatine phosphate, ADP and ATP help in providing athletes or fitness enthusiasts, with the energy required for increased muscle activity. Besides replenishing the body with instant energy, creatine is also believed to facilitate synthesis of proteins. This is the reason why people interested in bodybuilding or sports have begun to use creatine supplements. These pills are believed to be very effective in building up muscle mass and also facilitate speedy recovery from injuries. One must however, pay attention to the side effects caused due to the use of creatine pills as well. Though there isn't enough evidence to corroborate the long-term side effects of creatine on kidneys or other organs, it is believed that an overdose of creatine pills can have an adverse impact on one's health. Given below is some information on the claims regarding creatine dangers, especially the adverse effects of creatine on kidneys.

Impact of Creatine on Kidneys

As mentioned earlier, there has not been a lot of research on the effects of long term use of these supplements. Those who make claims regarding the adverse effect of creatine on kidneys, mainly attribute it to the stress on kidneys due to high levels of creatinine. Creatinine is a by-product of creatine, which is filtered out by the kidneys and flushed out from the body by way of urine. It is believed that if blood tests reveal high levels of creatinine in blood, it might be a warning sign for kidney problems. Whether kidney function is impaired or not, can be determined by conducting a blood test for checking the BUN/Creatinine ratio. BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen, and is a waste product of protein metabolism, while creatinine, as you already know, is a waste product of creatine. This ratio generally lies between 10:1 and 20:1. If the blood tests reveal an increased ratio, and levels of blood urea nitrogen as well as creatinine are higher, then there is a greater likelihood of kidney function being adversely affected. It is also believed that long term use of creatine might make one susceptible to kidney stones.

High levels of creatinine in blood could indicate the inability of kidneys to eliminate the by-product of creatine. This is the reason why people diagnosed with kidney problems must not use creatine pills. Though creatine pills are available in the form of citrates, phosphates and monohydrate salts, creatine monohydrate is believed to provide the best results in terms of bodybuilding. However, there have been instances of people experiencing side effects due to the use of these supplements. The pills draw water from other areas of the body into one's muscle cells and can cause dehydration. Well, there is an indisputable connection between development of kidney stones and severe dehydration. Other side effects that have been reported by users include muscle cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite. It is also believed that prolonged use of creatine supplements might affect the body's ability to synthesize creatine on its own. Another aspect that should not be overlooked is the quality of supplements. Markets are flooded with various brands that offer such bodybuilding supplements, one must therefore, buy the good quality pills that are safe for consumption.

If you are an athlete or are desirous of enhancing muscular strength and building a muscular body for improving your physical appearance, you can benefit by using creatine supplements. You must, however, take the pills as per prescribed dosage. Though there is a lack of research that validate the harmful effects of creatine on the kidneys, it's always better to exercise caution while using any supplements. As mentioned earlier, use of these pills can cause dehydration, which in some cases, might lead to formation of kidney stones. An overdose could also lead to high levels of creatinine, which can harm those who have been diagnosed with liver or kidney diseases. Overzealous and indiscriminate use of these pills might have serious repercussions on one's health, and must therefore be avoided.