CPK and post recovery protein intake relation

My doctor ordered a CPK test in order to get a baseline of my levels in anticipation of putting me on statins for high cholesterol. The results showed through diet and exercise I had reduced my cholesterol to within normal ranges (yay), but my CPK was over 2500. Doctor ordered another lab test and told me to limit exercise to walking. I did that and my levels dropped back down to 107 within 2 weeks. All of my kidney and liver function tested normally in both tests, and my vitamin b and d were normal in the follow up. Blood panel for white cells, platelets, etc also all showed normal. His conclusion was that I needed to stop weight training and stick to walking.

I find this extremely frustrating. He would not discuss what else may have contributed to the initial result or what I might do to mitigate such a reaction in the future. So, here I am…

in the week leading up to the initial lab, which was drawn on Monday, I did bench press and pull-ups, bent over rows, and some light farmer walks. That was Wednesday. On Friday I mowed the lawn and on Sunday, the day before my blood work, I took a 6 mile bike ride (flat terrain). This was a light week because I had been off for a month due to kids being sick, me being sick, etc.

So, is it possible it was just an initial spike due to starting back up? Could I have not been getting adequate amounts of protein for proper muscle recovery? Is there any relation to protein intake and CPK levels? I want to continue weight training. I love how it makes me feel and the amazing health benefits that go with it. But I want to make sure that I am doing it properly and fueling for recovery… if that is related. Any insight? Thank you in advance.

I find this extremely frustrating as well.

It is normal for people to have asymptomatic elevations in CK levels due to intense exercise. Most of these go undetected, because we don’t routinely check CK levels on asymptomatic patients. Your protein intake is not related here. Assuming you have no history of a myopathy needing specific treatment, I would continue training.

Thank you, Dr. Baraki, for responding so quickly. I have absolutely no history of myopathy and have been completely asymptomatic. I have already resumed training (aka, ignored the stick to walking advice) and will continue. Thank you again!