Does long-term creatine supplementation impair kidney function in resistance-trained individuals consuming a high-protein diet?

Rebeca Lugaresi, Marco Leme, Vítor de Salles Painelli, Igor Hisashi Murai, Hamilton Roschel, Marcelo Tatit Sapienza, Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior, Bruno Gualano, Rebeca Lugaresi, Marco Leme, Vítor de Salles Painelli, Igor Hisashi Murai, Hamilton Roschel, Marcelo Tatit Sapienza, Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior, Bruno Gualano

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function in resistance-trained individuals ingesting a high-protein diet.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either creatine (20 g/d for 5 d followed by 5 g/d throughout the trial) or placebo for 12 weeks. All of the participants were engaged in resistance training and consumed a high-protein diet (i.e., ≥ 1.2 g/Kg/d). Subjects were assessed at baseline (Pre) and after 12 weeks (Post). Glomerular filtration rate was measured by 51Cr-EDTA clearance. Additionally, blood samples and a 24-h urine collection were obtained for other kidney function assessments.

Results: No significant differences were observed for 51Cr-EDTA clearance throughout the trial (Creatine: Pre 101.42 ± 13.11, Post 108.78 ± 14.41 mL/min/1.73m2; Placebo: Pre 103.29 ± 17.64, Post 106.68 ± 16.05 mL/min/1.73m2; group x time interaction: F = 0.21, p = 0.64). Creatinine clearance, serum and urinary urea, electrolytes, proteinuria, and albuminuria remained virtually unchanged.

Conclusions: A 12-week creatine supplementation protocol did not affect kidney function in resistance-trained healthy individuals consuming a high-protein diet; thus reinforcing the safety of this dietary supplement.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01817673.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fluxogram of participants.
Figure 2
Figure 2
51Cr-EDTA clearance before (Pre) and after 12 weeks (Post) of either creatine (n = 12) or placebo (n = 14) supplementation in resistance-trained individuals consuming a high-protein diet. Panel A: individual data. Panel B: mean ± standard deviation. No significant difference between groups across time (group x time interaction) was observed (F = 0.21, p = 0.64). Note: Conversion factors for units: glomerular filtration rate in mL/min/1.73 m2 to mL/s/1.73 m2, ×0.01667.

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