Age matters: Kidney disorder indicator gains precision (Easy math formula)

Medical Xpress / Osaka Metropolitan University / Hypertension Research ^ | Jan. 6, 2025 | Akihiro Tsuda et al

[ConservativeMind]

Annual health checkups regularly include urine tests that serve several purposes, including checking for symptoms of kidney disease. The presence of albumin in the urine is one indicator, as is glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In diabetic nephropathy, albuminuria first appears, leading to excessive filtration and eventually a decrease in GFR.

In the elderly, however, excessive filtration cannot be detected due to age-related GFR decline. To accurately assess GFR, researchers have come up with a new calculation method.

The group led by Dr. Akihiro Tsuda, a lecturer, assessed 180 kidney transplant donor candidates to define a new formula for determining the threshold value for hyperfiltration based on age and GFR values.

Among other findings, the conventional method of correcting for body surface area in obese patients was determined to be inaccurate as excessive filtration cannot be detected. The researchers suggest calculating GFR without the correction but by taking into account the decline in the filtration rate due to aging.

"Since hyperfiltration is a precursor to diabetic nephropathy, we hope that using this new formula will more accurately diagnose the condition, leading to early detection and treatment," stated Dr. Tsuda.

[ConservativeMind]

The magic formula to see if your strangely high “good” GFR is actually “bad” hyperfiltration, for anyone’s age, is:

GFR = -0.883 x AGE + 167.398

If your eGFR value is at or above what the GFR value is with that formula, you have kidney hyperfiltration, which is a bad sign and you need to see a doctor or tell your doctor you have the new definition of hyperfiltration.

Do not use the newer eGFR weight & height correction for body size, as they found it does not work to properly identify any relevant hyperfiltration determination.

This has relevance for me. My eGFR value, done without body size correction, is 104. With body correction, it’s over 135. With the formula above, I am 16 below the new formula approach for where hyperfiltration is a problem. Instead, it just shows my kidneys are very healthy and not actually dysfunctional (might be the GlyNAC and other supplements and foods I have posted here).

They tested this with a lot of patients using the actual GFR test with inulin, instead of the estimated GFR from creatinine or Cystatin C, as these two are not safely accurate with hyperfiltration patients. When you have hyperfiltration, your kidney cells are going crazy flushing your blood, and the concern is that they die off or go into senescence, leaving you with damaged kidneys. However, an accurate GFR test uses inulin and is time based and your kidneys are accurately tested for this condition.

[ConservativeMind]

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[ConservativeMind]

I actually freaked out over a year or two ago, because I was in the hyperfiltration category, due to being on keto and seeing higher blood glucose numbers and having my body size correction be so high (was 143 then).

I read studies and it showed I should have gone to a kidney doctor and had the insulin test, but I just believed all the studies were wrong.

With this new study, I realize I was right, just without the proof or understanding.

[ConservativeMind]

That is, my eGFR with body size correction was 143.

[ConservativeMind]

Crud, another correction:

I should have had the INULIN GFR test, not insulin test.

[doorgunner69]

Makes me need to take a leak.....

[granite]

bkmk

[kelly4c]

Bkmk

[Carriage Hill]

My GFR, by that calculation formula, is 101.173, even though I have Stage 2 Mild kidney disease.

[ConservativeMind]

That formula does not give you your eGFR or GFR. It gives you the eGFR watermark you need to meet or pass with your current eGFR from your blood test.

If you do that calculation and get 101, that is the determining point for hyperfiltration at your age. If your eGFR is lower than that, you are not hyperfiltering. If your eGFR is above that, you have the beginning of kidney disease and will breakdown your kidney in a short while, with truly lower eGFR values to come with your newfound kidney disease.

[Carriage Hill]

I had 14 lab work orders done back in mid-Dec, so is “eGFR or GFR” what I’m looking for in all those tests’ data?

[ConservativeMind]

Either of those. People with no known kidney disorders get the eGFR. The GFR takes several hours at the doctor’s office to perform on you. GFR is the most accurate.

If you don’t see eGFR, then your creatinine number or Cystatin C number(s) map it for you, using a formula or a calculator.

One calculator is here:

https://www.kidney.org/professionals/gfr_calculator

[ckilmer]

I don’t know eGFR I have on record was 80 and this calculation for me is 104. So I guess I’m clear.

Yet recently I’ve worried about my kidneys. A couple weeks back I ran some tests and they came back all clear. No problems. I thought maybe I had an infection because I have bph and infections happen from time to time. But even the cultured labs came back clean. At the time I had the problem my urine smelled fishy and I had a slight pain in my right side. I think I got rid of smell by drinking cranberry juice with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. The slight pain in my lower left side wanders around my lower left side. so that might be muscle pain.

I asked perplexity.ai what supplements might cause kidney problems. This was the answer:

Several supplements have been reported to potentially cause kidney problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions or those taking certain medications. Here are some supplements that may cause kidney issues:
Vitamin C: High doses (1 gram or more daily) can increase the risk of kidney stones, particularly in people with a history of kidney stones15.
Creatine: This supplement, often used for muscle building, can strain the kidneys, especially when combined with strenuous exercise and dehydration45.
Chromium: Used for weight loss, chromium has been associated with kidney dysfunction in some case reports5.
Turmeric/Curcumin: In large amounts, it may lead to kidney damage, especially in people taking immunosuppressive drugs1.
Herbal supplements: Several herbs are considered risky for kidney health, including:
Astragalus
Cat’s Claw
Creatine
Licorice Root
Uva Ursi
Yohimbe34
Minerals: Excessive intake of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus can affect kidney function1.
Lysine: High doses over extended periods have been linked to chronic renal failure in some cases5.
It’s important to note that the safety of supplements can vary depending on an individual’s health status, medication use, and kidney function. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have kidney disease or are at risk for kidney problems26.

I asked perplexity.ai what supplements might help strengthen the kidneys. This was the answer.

Several supplements have shown potential to support kidney health and function, though it’s important to note that their effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances. Here are some supplements that may help improve kidney function:
Vitamin D: This vitamin is crucial for kidney health, as damaged kidneys have difficulty converting it into its active form. Supplementation may help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD)1.
Iron: Essential for producing healthy red blood cells, iron supplementation can be beneficial for those with kidney-related anemia1.
B Vitamins: Specifically, vitamin B9 (folic acid) and B12 are important for kidney health. They help produce healthy red blood cells and may slow down rising phosphorus levels in people with kidney disease14.
Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help protect against CKD complications by decreasing inflammation and the production of uremic toxins, potentially improving kidney function24.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): This antioxidant may help address cardiovascular complications associated with kidney disease3.
Resveratrol: Found in berries, grapes, and peanuts, resveratrol has shown kidney-protective properties in animal studies23.
Moringa: Animal studies suggest that moringa leaf extract may protect against kidney toxicity and decrease levels of waste products in the blood3.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Some studies indicate that omega-3 supplementation may help improve kidney function5.
Caution and Consultation
It’s crucial to remember that while these supplements show promise, their effects can vary. Some supplements may interact with medications or be contraindicated for certain kidney conditions. Always consult with a healthcare provider or nephrologist before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing kidney issues or are at risk for kidney problems.

[Carriage Hill]

eGFR = >90

[Carriage Hill]

The eGFR has been at 90 since Spring 2022 (past history chart). My Nephrologist said it was CKD, early, mild Stage 2.

[ConservativeMind]

Interesting, because a 90 is Stage 1, as is every number 90 and above. Yes, even healthy kids and younger adults with 130 or 140 have Stage 1 kidney disease, according to the following:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/stages-of-kidney-disease-8303978

I would say you are at the high end of good function for your age, just as I am.

That decline is programmed in to the eGFR calculation. Every year, the number must go down, which means if you maintained the same eGFR for a couple years, you actually improved your kidney creatinine number a little each year. Do note creatinine numbers get a bit better if you become very sedentary, as it directly measures muscle breakdown, typically from using them.

Interesting!

[Carriage Hill]

Thanks!

[ConservativeMind]

I do take it that you have some protein beyond normal limits, in your urine? Your eGFR certainly does not note it, but it looks at a different thing.

[Carriage Hill]

The bowl is full of bubbles from bring drained by the kidneys. I can’t build any muscle mass, and am tired all the time.

[ConservativeMind]

You definitely are leaking protein.

Ask your doctor if you could take curcumin—a reliable source of it.

It appears to help reduce protein in the urine of kidney patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric Dietary Supplementation on Proteinuria in CKD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RCT

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35714209/

Send him this.

ConsumerLab tested curcumin supplements and found Kirkland (Costco) Signature Turmeric 1000 mg (has black pepper extract to help absorption, but could interfere with some medicines). Puritan's Pride Curcuminoids from Turmeric was the best without the black pepper extract. Both of these shoukd be taken with a meal having some fat.

However, “A1 Vitality Turmeric Curcumin” requires no meal and has a very high absorption, despite having a lot less curcumin. It appears to be more expensive, but would not give you a large amount of curcumin while still getting the job done.

It seems inflammation in the kidney cells allows protein through. Are you taking GlyNAC or other antioxidants? Taurine helps make SOD while GlyNAC helps make glutathione. Also, oyster and shiitake mushrooms have a lot of ergothioneine, a backup antioxidant for your cells, for some occasions when the other two aren't available. Glycine, NAC, and taurine are amino acids, which should cause no issues, yet, help reduce inflammation where is may be.