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Kidney

eGFR: normal values and what training does to them

Your eGFR is a calculation, not a measurement. If you train hard, use creatine or eat a lot of meat, that calculation drops. Nothing is wrong with your kidney. This page explains how the CKD-EPI equation works and when cystatin C gives the fairer answer.

Doctor's Assessment Included

When is this value abnormal?

Decision limits per result, in ml/min/1,73m²
Result Value (ml/min/1,73m²)
G5 – kidney failure < 15
G4 – severely decreased 15–30
G3b – moderately to severely decreased 30–45
G3a – mildly to moderately decreased 45–60
G2 – mildly decreased 60–90
G1 – normal or high ≥ 90

De eGFR wordt niet beoordeeld met één normaalwaarde, maar met de stadia G1 tot en met G5 uit de richtlijn Chronische nierschade (NHG/NIV, naar KDIGO). De waarde is een schatting: hij wordt met de CKD-EPI-formule berekend uit het kreatinine in uw bloed, uw leeftijd en uw geslacht. Het stadium alleen zegt nog niet of er nierschade is: daarvoor kijkt de arts ook naar de albumine-creatinineratio (ACR) in de urine, en of een afwijking ten minste 3 maanden aanhoudt. Ook bij stadium G1-G2 kan er nierschade zijn als de albuminurie verhoogd is; met een normale albuminurie geldt G1-G2 als geen chronische nierschade (samen circa 88% van de bevolking). Bij een eGFR onder de 60 die langer dan 3 maanden bestaat, spreekt men van chronische nierschade en past de huisarts zo nodig medicatiedoseringen aan. Bespreek uw uitslag met uw huisarts.

Source: NHG Reference population: Alle volwassenen (KDIGO/NHG-stadiëring, leeftijdsonafhankelijk)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): what this test measures

eGFR is a calculation, not a measurement. The equation assumes everyone produces creatinine at the same rate. In an athletic body that assumption fails. More muscle means more creatinine in the blood. The equation reads that as less filtration.

The common equation is CKD-EPI 2021. More European labs now also report an EKFC result. Both equations start from the same creatinine. Both therefore inherit the same blind spot for muscle mass.

To learn what your kidney actually does, cystatin C is the fairer measure. It does not come from muscle tissue. The underlying creatinine tells half the story.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): why this value matters

Most alarm about this result comes from healthy, trained people. A value of 78 after a heavy leg week says little. Four things stack up easily. Creatine in the supplement cupboard raises creatinine. A steak the night before does the same. Hard training causes muscle turnover. A dehydrated draw completes the picture.

Each of those four lowers the calculated value. Together they can sink a perfectly good kidney on paper. The kidney itself noticed nothing.

So look at the trend rather than one number. Measure under comparable conditions. Rest at least 48 hours before the draw. Drink normally and skip the meat meal.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): when is testing worthwhile?

Measure in a quiet week if you can. Not right after a competition or a heavy training block. If you use creatine, consider pausing two weeks before a kidney work-up. Discuss that with your doctor first.

If the value stays low under clean conditions, repeating is the next step. A single value under 60 is not a diagnosis. It has to persist for at least three months.

If in doubt ask for cystatin C or the combined equation. That separates muscle mass from real loss of filtration. Discuss any abnormal result with your doctor.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Fatigue that does not lift after a rest week
Less recovery between sessions than you are used to
Swelling in the ankles or around the eyes
Blood pressure that used to be normal
Reduced appetite or nausea
Foamy urine, which can point to protein loss

High Levels

A high result in athletes is usually meaningless
The equation is imprecise above 90 in any case
Sustained high filtration is called hyperfiltration
That accompanies early diabetes and excess weight
A high value is therefore not a performance indicator

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. Consult a nephrologist for evaluation and management.

If High

Normal to high eGFR indicates healthy kidney function. Maintain kidney-healthy habits.

Female

If Low

Low eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. Consult a nephrologist for evaluation and management.

If High

Normal to high eGFR indicates healthy kidney function. Maintain kidney-healthy habits.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): lifestyle and this value

Book a blood draw at least 48 hours after a heavy session. Arrive hydrated and skip the large meat meal the night before. That way you measure your baseline rather than your training week.

If you use creatine, always mention it at a kidney work-up. Be cautious with NSAIDs around heavy loading, especially combined with dehydration. Keep an eye on blood pressure, which strains the kidney more quietly than any supplement.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): frequently asked questions

What should you do about a low eGFR?
Repeat the measurement under calm conditions. Rest at least 48 hours after a heavy session. Arrive well hydrated and skip the meat meal the night before. If the value is still low, ask your doctor for cystatin C. It does not come from muscle tissue and gives a fairer picture.
Does creatine lower my eGFR?
Yes, but without touching the kidney. Creatine raises the creatinine in your blood. The equation reads that rise as less filtration. Studies in healthy users show no effect on truly measured filtration. Tell your doctor you use it and consider a two-week pause before a kidney work-up.
How long should I rest before a blood draw?
Allow 48 to 72 hours after a heavy session. Muscle turnover after training raises creatinine temporarily. Dehydration amplifies that effect further. A draw on an ordinary day gives your true baseline.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

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Complete Blood Count (CBC) Leukocyte Differential ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Leptin Zinc Selenium Iodine Copper Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
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SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
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Medical standards

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eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

€7,-