Get free weekly science-backed tips to feel better, live longer 👉 https://dradrianlaurence.substack.com/welcome

Creatine Can Raise Creatinine—Why It Doesn’t Mean Kidney Damage (Ask for Cystatin C)

This episode explains that creatine supplementation commonly raises serum creatinine on blood tests, which can falsely suggest reduced kidney function because creatinine is used to calculate eGFR. The script breaks down the biology: increased muscle phosphocreatine from supplementation leads to more creatinine production, while kidneys may still be filtering normally. It describes how this can trigger unnecessary repeat testing, medication changes, or specialist referrals if supplement use isnt disclosed. Cited randomized controlled trials show creatinine rises with creatine, but other kidney markers—especially cystatin C—remain normal, including in a two-year study; creatinine also returns to baseline after stopping. The key advice is to tell clinicians you take creatine and use cystatin C or direct testing when kidney function is in question, with caution for those with pre-existing kidney disease.

00:00 Creatine Blood Test Trap

01:09 Creatine to Creatinine Explained

02:56 Why eGFR Looks Worse

04:12 Real World Misdiagnosis Spiral

05:58 What Studies Actually Show

08:36 Safety Caveats and Kidney Disease

09:07 What to Tell Your Doctor

09:43 Cystatin C and Final Takeaways

11:00 Wrap Up and Disclaimer

Gualano, B., Ugrinowitsch, C., Novaes, R. B., Artioli, G. G., Shimizu, M. H., Seguro, A. C., Harris, R. C., & Lancha, A. H. (2008). Effects of creatine supplementation on renal function: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. *European Journal of Applied Physiology, 103*(1), 33–40. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0669-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0669-3)

Robinson, T. M., Sewell, D. A., Casey, A., Steenge, G., & Greenhaff, P. L. (2000). Dietary creatine supplementation does not affect some haematological indices, or indices of muscle damage and hepatic and renal function. *British Journal of Sports Medicine, 34*(4), 284–288. [https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.34.4.284](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.34.4.284)

Bender, A., Samtleben, W., Elstner, M., & Klopstock, T. (2008). Long-term creatine supplementation is safe in aged patients with Parkinson disease. *Nutrition Research, 28*(3), 172–178. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2008.01.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2008.01.001)

**This video is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this content. Dr. Adrian Laurence provides general health information and does not establish a doctor–patient relationship through this video or any related content.**

Instagram: /dradrianlaurence

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dradrianlaurence

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572349556437