Nephrol Dial Transplant (2003) 18: 258-264
© 2003 European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association
Creatine supplementation does not affect kidney function in an animal model with pre-existing renal failure
1 Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and 2 Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ghent and 3 Department of Physiology and Physiopathology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Background. Creatine is widely used as an ergogenic substance among athletes. Safety of prolonged creatine intake has been questioned, based upon case reports and animal data. We investigated the effect of prolonged creatine ingestion on renal function in animals with normal kidney function or pre-existing kidney failure, respectively.
Methods. Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four experimental groups: (i) sham-operated, control diet; (ii) sham-operated, creatine-supplemented diet (2% w/w (0.9±0.2 g creatine/kg body weight/day)); (iii) two-thirds nephrectomized, control diet; and (iv) two-thirds nephrectomized, creatine supplemented diet. Glomerular filtration rate was determined using inulin and creatinine clearance, together with albumin excretion, urea clearance, muscle and serum creatine and serum cystatin C concentrations.
Results. In contrast to previous reports, no detrimental effects of creatine supplementation on the renal function indices were observed in two-thirds nephrectomized or sham-operated animals. No differences were observed in inulin (0.28±0.08 vs 0.25±0.08 ml/min/100 g; P=NS) or creatinine clearance rates. Serum cystatin C concentration, urinary protein excretion, and albumin and urea clearance were comparable between creatine-supplemented and control-diet fed animals in both sham-operated and two-thirds nephrectomized animals. Serum creatine and intramuscular total creatine concentrations were higher in creatine-supplemented groups (P<0.05).
Conclusions. Creatine supplementation at a dosage of 2% w/w for 4 weeks does not impair kidney function in animals with pre-existing renal failure or in control animals.
Keywords: creatine supplementation; kidney function
Correspondence and offprint requests to: Prof. Dr J. Delanghe, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Chemistry 2P8, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. Email: Joris.Delanghe{at}rug.ac.be
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  V J Dalbo, M D Roberts, J R Stout, and C M Kerksick Putting to rest the myth of creatine supplementation leading to muscle cramps and dehydration Br. J. Sports Med., July 1, 2008; 42(7): 567 - 573. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 Y. E. C. Taes, B. Marescau, A. De Vriese, P. P. De Deyn, E. Schepers, R. Vanholder, and J. R. Delanghe Guanidino compounds after creatine supplementation in renal failure patients and their relation to inflammatory status Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., April 1, 2008; 23(4): 1330 - 1335. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|