Weird Blood Test Results (too much protein?)

[tufnutz]

I had a blood test last week (non-fasting). My Dr. informed me that several of the results were moderately elevated; indicating impaired kidney functions.

I am beginning to believe that I am consuming too much protein (approximately 330g/day; I weigh 200lbs) and that the creatine monohydrate (approx 5-10g day) led to the elevated creatinine levels.

Any comments from the mods or those with a science background would be appreciated.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen that's present in the blood. When protein is metabolized, the end product is urea which is formed in the liver and excreted from the bloodstream via the kidneys. This is why BUN is a good indicator of both liver and kidney function. Increased levels can stem from shock, burns, dehydration, congestive hear failure, myocardial infarction, excessive protein ingestion, excessive protein catabolism, starvation, sepsis, renal disease, renal failure, etc. Causes of a decrease in levels can be liver failure, overhydration, negative nitrogen balance via malnutrition, pregnancy, etc.

Normal range:
Adults
10-20 mg/dl
Mine: 33

Creatinine

Creatinine is a byproduct of creatine phosphate, the chemical used in contraction of skeletal muscle. So, the more muscle mass you have, the higher the creatine levels and therefore the higher the levels of creatinine. Also, when you ingest large amounts of beef or other meats that have high levels of creatine in them, you can increase creatinine levels as well. Since creatinine levels are used to measure the functioning of the kidneys, this easily explains why creatine has been accused of causing kidney damage, since it naturally results in an increase in creatinine levels.

However, we need to remember that these tests are only indicators of functioning and thus outside drugs and supplements can influence them and give false results, as creatine may do. This is why creatine, while increasing creatinine levels, does not cause renal damage or impair function. Generally speaking, though, increased levels are indicative of urinary tract obstruction, acute tubular necrosis, reduced renal blood flow (stemming from shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis), as well as acromegaly. Decreased levels can be indicative of debilitation, and decreased muscle mass via disease or some other cause.

Normal range:
Adult Male
0.6-1.2 mg/dl
Mine: 1.6

[BeachBum17]

WOW talk about bizarre and coincidental! I just made a post about taking blood tests and such for an experiment I wanted to be a part of. Your post seems to clearly state that supplementation can create misleading test results. I hope what you wrote is true! But ironically, thanks!

[tufnutz]

I hope it's the supplement and not some kidney disorder. It would be interesting to see if anyone else had similar skewed results.

[jeffrobodean]

When my brother was going through a certain Federal Training Academy, he was using a lot of protein bars and shakes and creatine to get into (better) shape. He said the doc told him that his liver enzymes were too high and to knock off the creatine and protein. Now, I (nor he) can safely assume this was a one-to-one relationship. Many other factors could have been just as culpable, but I never did hear back about whether or not his cutting back made a difference or even if he had a follow-up visit.

[tufnutz]

[ QUOTE ]
When my brother was going through a certain Federal Training Academy, he was using a lot of protein bars and shakes and creatine to get into (better) shape. He said the doc told him that his liver enzymes were too high and to knock off the creatine and protein. Now, I (nor he) can safely assume this was a one-to-one relationship. Many other factors could have been just as culpable, but I never did hear back about whether or not his cutting back made a difference or even if he had a follow-up visit.

[/ QUOTE ]

From what I understand, creatine monohydrate use of 5-10g will necessarily increase the creatinine levels. The increased creatinine levels from the use of creatine monohydrate does not suggest the kidneys are failing or that it is harmful to the body. At least I haven't been able to find proof that it is harmful.

The elevated BUN levels appear to be the result of the overconsumption of protein.

I would be interested, as the last poster was, to see if those who follow a high-protein diet (+300g) have elevated BUN levels.

[TonyTheTiger]

Your elevated BUN levels could also be due to poor hydration. Are you getting enough water?

[tufnutz]

Yeah, 1.5-2gallons/day. I am going for a urine-analysis test on Thurs which should definitely determine whether it's diet related.

[Bahir]

Im taking a blood test this morning, fasting. Hope to see my results by the end of the week.

[tufnutz]

Post your BUN and Creatinine levels and how many grams of protein you consume in a day and whether you supplement with creatine. Interested in the results.

[123456]

I think you're getting way too much protein; i know im probably going to get flamed for this but 330 grams seems like an obscene ammount to me. Unless you're uber hardcore.