Gym nephropathy ‘bodybuilding versus kidney damaging’

Nonnutritional and nutritional supplements are widely used by bodybuilders. Abuse of these supplements can cause kidney injury by different mechanisms. We refer to any kidney injury caused by any of these supplements as ‘gym nephropathy.’ Anabolic-androgenic steroids are taken by athletes to gain muscle, but they may induce kidney injury through multiple pathways. Creatine supplementation is safe to be used, and it is capable of increasing muscle strength and mass; however, the indiscriminate use of it may induce acute kidney injury. Many bodybuilders abuse oral and injectable vitamins, which may cause acute kidney injury. High protein improves the training adaptations to exercise with no harm as long as the renal functions are normal; however, the theoretical risks should be reviewed carefully with some individuals. Energy drink-induced renal failure has been also reported. In this article, we review different forms of kidney injury secondary to supplements abused by bodybuilders.