COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 246
marker of kidney function4especially when looked at alongside
BUN.
Creatinine levels are influenced by factors such as muscle mass,
liver health, and protein intake. Higher levels might suggest kidney
strain, while lower levels could indicate low muscle mass or not
enough dietary protein.
Range
Units
Conventional
.57 - 1.5 mg/dL
Optimal / Functional
.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
Alarm
> 1.6 mg/dL
When to run this test:
● Assess kidney function (not a sensitive test for renal function)
● Evaluate prostate or uterine health
● Monitor prostate-related treatments
● Track the effectiveness of IV chelation therapy
eGFR
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a key measure of
kidney function used to detect early kidney damage and monitor
ongoing kidney health. It’s calculated using serum creatinine
along with age, sex, and race, offering a more complete picture
than creatinine alone.
eGFR is especially important for identifying individuals at risk for
complications from chronic kidney disease, including those with
diabetes or hypertension, and helps determine the stage of kidney
impairment.
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