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Exploring Creatine Use and Kidney Health with Psoriatic Arthritis

A user with psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis considers creatine supplements while monitoring kidney function. Discusses potential impacts on creatinine levels, the importance of medical advice, and how creatine usage might affect arthritis treatment and bloodwork results.


  • Creatine vs creatinine levels
    So I have psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis and every few months when I get bloodwork done they test my creatine vs creatinine levels. It’s to test my kidney health due to the prescription I take for it.

    I workout and I’m interested in taking some creatine but last year when I asked my doctor about he said I shouldn’t but didn’t expand on it. I assume it’s because it can raise the ratio levels between the 2. He retired and now I’ll have a new doctor in a couple months. I’m thinking about just starting it and telling the new doctor that I am on creatine before I get the bloodwork done and seeing what she says

    Obviously not medical advice but just curious on what y’all think about this situation?

  • When considering taking creatine supplements, especially with a condition like psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to understand the implications it might have on your health, particularly kidney function. Creatine supplementation is popular among athletes and those who engage in regular, intense physical activities as it can enhance muscle mass and improve performance. However, the metabolism of creatine involves conversion to creatinine, which is excreted through the kidneys.

    Here are some key points to consider regarding creatine supplementation and its potential impact on creatinine levels, which are often used to gauge kidney function:

    1. Creatine and Creatinine Levels: Creatine supplementation can lead to an increase in serum creatinine levels because creatinine is a byproduct of creatine metabolism1. This increase in creatinine is not necessarily indicative of impaired kidney function, but rather a reflection of increased creatine intake2.

    2. Kidney Function Concerns: For individuals with underlying kidney conditions or those on medications that can impact the kidneys, elevated creatinine levels might be a concern. This is potentially why your previous doctor advised against creatine, as it could complicate the interpretation of kidney function tests3.

    3. Medical Guidance is Key: It's crucial to align with a healthcare provider regarding creatine use, especially given your medical background. Introducing creatine and then discussing it with your new doctor before your next bloodwork could allow for monitoring any changes to your creatinine levels, helping to ensure safe usage.

    4. Potential Impact on Treatment: Understanding how creatine might interact with your existing prescribed treatments for arthritis and its potential impact on laboratory results is an essential consideration4.

    If you are considering starting creatine supplementation, it's best to do so under medical guidance to ensure it's safe given your health conditions and current medications. Meanwhile, maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers about any supplements you're interested in or currently taking will ensure you get the best personalized advice.

    Footnotes

    1. Ryan D. Perry, "Creatine Supplementation and Its Efficacy in Enhancing Physical Performance," Sports Med, 2013.

    2. Richard B. Kreider, "Creatine: nutritional supplement and potential therapeutic agent," Amino Acids, 1999.

    3. J. A. Poortmans & M. Francaux, "Long-term oral creatine supplementation does not impair renal function in healthy athletes," Sports Med, 1999.

    4. Discuss potential drug-supplement interactions with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use of creatine and optimize your treatment plan.

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