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Elevated plasma creatinine due to creatine ethyl ester use.
1Department of Internal Medicine, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|March 18, 2011
Summary
Creatine ethyl ester (CEE) supplementation may falsely elevate plasma creatinine levels, mimicking kidney problems. Discontinuation of CEE leads to normalized creatinine, highlighting its impact on renal function markers.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Creatine is a popular supplement for athletes and bodybuilders, purported to enhance physical performance.
- Two common forms exist: creatine ethyl ester (CEE) and creatine monohydrate (CM).
- Plasma creatinine is a standard biomarker for assessing kidney function.
Observation:
- A case study reported elevated serum creatinine in an individual using creatine ethyl ester.
- Creatinine levels returned to normal within one week of discontinuing CEE.
- Not all creatine users experience elevated creatinine levels.
Findings:
- Creatine ethyl ester (CEE), unlike creatine monohydrate (CM), is converted to creatinine within the gastrointestinal tract.
- This conversion process is associated with increased plasma creatinine concentrations in users of CEE.
- Elevated creatinine due to CEE use can be mistaken for genuine renal impairment.
Implications:
- The use of CEE may lead to misdiagnosis of kidney dysfunction.
- Clinicians should consider CEE supplementation when interpreting elevated creatinine levels in athletes.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of CEE-induced creatinine elevation.
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