Creatine is a compound produced in the body that provides energy to muscles, while creatinine is a waste product that can reveal possible kidney problems. Creatine can be consumed through meat and fish, and supplementation is generally safe but can be harmful if dosage is exceeded.
Creatine, also called creatine citrate, is a compound created from building blocks of proteins, called amino acids, in the human body. Created in a person’s liver and other vital organs, it helps provide energy to muscles. Creatinine, on the other hand, is the waste created by the body’s use of creatine. In essence, the main difference between creatine and creatinine is the fact that the former is necessary for the body while the latter does not perform a vital function. Creatinine is important, however, in revealing possible kidney problems.
To understand the difference between creatine and creatinine, one can consider how they develop. Both of these substances are produced within the human body, but only one is produced for the benefit of the body. The liver, pancreas and kidneys make creatine and send it to the muscles through a person’s blood. Helps muscles work well. By comparison, the body has no need for creatinine.
Although it is a byproduct, creatinine can prove useful in health assessments. Doctors do blood and urine tests to check creatinine levels and determine whether a person’s kidney function is adequate. The kidneys process creatinine outside the body in the form of urine. If your kidneys aren’t working as they should, however, your creatinine levels can rise. When tests reveal that levels of this substance are high, a doctor usually does additional tests to determine the extent of a person’s kidney problems.
One of the reasons high levels of creatinine are so concerning is that the body doesn’t usually produce much of it. In fact, only about two percent of the body’s creatine ends up as creatinine on any given day. Since the body stores most of its creatine in the muscles, it can take a long time for this substance to be used up and lead to the production of creatine.
A person can also consume creatine. It’s found in meat and fish, and some people supplement it in hopes of improving athletic performance. For example, some studies have produced evidence that creatine helps with weightlifting performance and athletic activities that require strength but last only for a short time. This point is crucial when comparing creatine and creatinine, as people do not consume the latter.
Despite the connection between creatine and creatinine, supplementation with this substance is generally considered safe. It can prove to be concerning, however, if a person exceeds the recommended dosage on supplement labels. When dosages are too high, a person risks damage to their kidneys. Therefore, a consultation with your doctor may prove beneficial before supplementation.
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