Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Aug 10, 2024

Understand Your BUN/Creatinine Ratio and Its Role in Health

Discover the importance of the BUN/Creatinine ratio in evaluating kidney function, with clear explanations of normal, low, and high levels.

What is the BUN/Creatinine Ratio?

The BUN/creatinine ratio is a measurement comparing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels to creatinine levels.‍Both BUN and creatinine are waste products excreted by the kidneys; BUN comes from protein breakdown, while creatinine results from muscle metabolism.‍This ratio is commonly used to assess kidney function and differentiate between various causes of kidney-related abnormalities.

What does it asses?

The BUN/creatinine ratio assesses the relationship between urea and creatinine clearance to identify potential kidney function issues or disruptions in protein metabolism.‍The ratio can also help differentiate between causes of kidney dysfunction, such as distinguishing between prerenal (before the kidneys) and intrinsic renal (within the kidneys) causes.

How do I optimize my BUN/Creatinine Ratio?

Adequate hydration is key, as dehydration can elevate BUN levels and increase the BUN/creatinine ratio.‍Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain optimal kidney filtration and waste excretion. Consuming moderate protein levels suited to your body’s needs helps prevent excessive urea production.‍High protein diets may increase BUN levels, especially in individuals with compromised kidney function. Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, and substances like alcohol can negatively impact kidney function.‍Avoiding or limiting these can support healthier BUN and creatinine levels and, consequently, an optimal ratio.

What does a high and low BUN/Creatinine Ratio mean?

An elevated ratio may suggest dehydration, as reduced fluid levels cause BUN concentration to rise. High ratios may also indicate heart conditions, high protein diets, or gastrointestinal bleeding, where protein breakdown produces more urea.‍A low ratio can be seen in cases of liver disease, where urea production is reduced. It may also indicate malnutrition, where low protein intake results in lower BUN levels, or in cases of advanced kidney disease where creatinine clearance is impaired.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.