Dr. Yash Kathuria
Family Physician
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Is creatine safe for someone to take for workouts or for performance purposes who had kidney disease in the past? I suffered from childhood nephritis and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, potentially triggered by a mold infestation around ten years ago at my home. After a biopsy, I took steroids and diuretic medications for some years until remission. I have been in remission and off medication for over ten years. I never needed a transplant and now have normal protein or creatinine ratios.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
As you said, you are in remission now for FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). Your serum creatinine and urea level are fine at this point. If your urine protein creatinine ratio is normal, and there is no ongoing kidney injury. According to the studies, the anabolic steroid may lead to FSGS, which bodybuilders mainly take. Secondly, creatine supplements may cause interstitial nephritis, another kind of kidney injury. I advise you not to take a very high protein diet. What dose of creatine supplement have you been told to take?
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thanks for the reply.
I have been told not to take it, so I wanted a second opinion before giving up since it seems safe for most people. A usual dose by supplement is around 3 to 5 gm of creatine per day. I was considering a half dose of 2.5 to 3 gm per day when I asked my nephrologist whether it was safe. The form I had looked at was creatine monohydrate. I have had normal levels for over ten years and see a nephrologist for a check-up every two years. If a second opinion concurs I will avoid creatine supplementation, I will likely forget about it.
Thank you for your time.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Given your past history, I would advise you not to take creatine supplements. But if you are still willing for low dose, then I would advise for more frequent kidney function tests or as per your nephrologist. I hope this information will help
Thank you.
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Family Physician
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