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Does Vegetarians Get Creatine Deficiency?

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Posted on Sat, 9 Jun 2018
Question: I had a blood test taken, and my BUN level was at 6. I read that being a vegetarian can cause your BUN level to be at the lower end, and I am a vegetarian. Therefore, is my BUN level a concern?

I ask because I'm on a birth control method that can cause liver damage, and I had some darker urine a couple of mornings last week. My urine is normal now, and I was retaining water those days, but I didn't know how concerned I should be.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
high values more concerning than low

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Different labs may have slightly different normal ranges for blood tests.

The normal range for BUN 3 to 20 mg/dl, some labs have a higher lower limit -- their range may be 7 to 20 mg/dl

Your value of 6 is one the low end but within the normal range if 3 to 20 is used, you would have the range for your particular lab.
The use of meat can increase BUN levels and the fact that you are a vegetarian would put it at the low end.

The value does not mean anything is wrong. HIGH values can mean dehydration or kidney disease but low values are not as concerning

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Does Vegetarians Get Creatine Deficiency?

Brief Answer: high values more concerning than low Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Different labs may have slightly different normal ranges for blood tests. The normal range for BUN 3 to 20 mg/dl, some labs have a higher lower limit -- their range may be 7 to 20 mg/dl Your value of 6 is one the low end but within the normal range if 3 to 20 is used, you would have the range for your particular lab. The use of meat can increase BUN levels and the fact that you are a vegetarian would put it at the low end. The value does not mean anything is wrong. HIGH values can mean dehydration or kidney disease but low values are not as concerning I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions