# Relation between creatinine and eGFR levels

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/relation-between-creatinine-and-egfr-levels/11490>\
**Category:** Medical Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Created:** [October 10, 2021, 1:28am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/relation-between-creatinine-and-egfr-levels/11490 "2021-10-10T01:28:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Peano](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/cc9497/32.png) [@Peano](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Peano)\
**Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 1:28am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/relation-between-creatinine-and-egfr-levels/11490/1 "2021-10-10T01:28:13Z")

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I take creatine supplement, and I’ve noticed that my creatinine levels are a little elevated, but when I discontinue the creatine a week or so before labs, creatinine levels are normal.

For a recent blood test, I forgot to d/c the creatine, so creatinine was elevated 1.7 mg/dL (ref range 0.5 - 1.3). GFR levels were also low:

eGFR AA: 48 mL/min/1.73 m2 (ref range \>60 mL/min)

eGFR non-AA: 39 mL/min/1.73 m2 (ref \>60)

These levels have previously been normal (above 60), but also occasionally low (43, 47, 58) – since 2018.

I recently switched to a new PCP, and he is concerned about the low GFR levels. **My question** : Since taking creatine supplement can elevate creatinine levels (and give a false positive for kidney dysfunction), can creatine supplement also cause low GFR levels?

I suppose the best test would be to d/c the creatine for a couple of weeks and then have labs run for all these levels. Meantime, I’m just wondering how eGFR levels are calculated – whether they can be altered by creatine the way creatine alters creatinine.

[Footnote: My previous PCP since 2013 was very thorough, and he was never concerned when GFR levels were low. He did once express some concern when creatinine levels were elevated. I told him I thought the creatine was the culprit, and subsequent labs seemed to confirm this: Without the supplement, creatinine levels returned to normal. That MD retired, and my new MD is concerned about low GFR in previous years. So, **secondary question** : How reliable are GFR levels as indications of kidney disease?]

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**Author:** ![Austin\_Baraki](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/austin_baraki/32/1095_2.png) [@Austin\_Baraki](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Austin_Baraki)\
**Post date:** [October 10, 2021, 1:12pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/relation-between-creatinine-and-egfr-levels/11490/2 "2021-10-10T13:12:06Z")

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Fortunately we have an article that addresses all of your questions/concerns:

> **[Abnormal Labs in Exercise Part I: Kidney Function | Barbell Medicine](https://www.barbellmedicine.com/blog/abnormal-labs-in-exercise-part-i-kidney-function/)**
>
> We frequently receive questions from lifters who see their doctors and get a variety of screening tests done, including bloodwork. Interpreting lab data