Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 5/12/2009

Question
Dear Doctor,

recent blood tests indicate that my father's kidneys are not functioning as well as they used to....this to an excess of creatine.....i have even been told that this is normal for an 81 year old man.....however i wish i could help him....hence can you kindly recommend any vitams, mineral,supplements, herbs etc etc that can eventually help his kidneys function better......any other advice will be greatly appreciated.

regards and thanks




Paul Fava
Malta

Answer
Hi Paul,
Serum creatinine levels are indeed indicators of kidney function, there is little information on how the value changes with age. In some studies a gradual rise of the values are seen with age but this is not a uniform finding.It is also doubtful if the formula we use to calculate renal function from serum creatinine in young patients holds good at higher age.
Before I make any comments on your father's renal function I would like to know the actual value that has been found. Only then would we be able to estimate the grade of kidney function (or failure in reverse).
In any case minerals, herbs or vitamins are not the answer for this. If he is going in kidney failure then and only then we should intervene, else it might be better not to interfere. I always believe 'first do no harm'.
Unnecessary medication can be more harmful than beneficial and that is what I would like to avoid.
Ravi Ghooi