Normal Serum Urea Levels:
- Range: The normal range for serum urea is 2.5-7.1 mmol/L (7-20 mg/dL), though it may vary slightly between laboratories.
- Function: Urea is produced when proteins are broken down in the liver. It is then filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Normal urea levels indicate that this process is functioning efficiently.
Importance of Maintaining Normal Urea Levels:
- Kidney Health Indicator: Urea levels are directly related to kidney function. Healthy kidneys efficiently remove urea, while impaired kidney function can cause an accumulation of urea in the blood (uremia), which may lead to more serious conditions.
- Liver Function Check: While urea primarily reflects kidney health, it also provides indirect information about liver function, as urea production occurs in the liver.
- Nutritional Status: Elevated urea can be associated with high protein intake, dehydration, or catabolic states like infections or trauma. Conversely, low urea levels may indicate poor dietary intake of protein or liver dysfunction.
Potential Causes of Abnormal Levels:
- High Urea: Kidney dysfunction, dehydration, high protein diet, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Low Urea: Liver disease, low protein intake, or malnutrition.
Maintaining Optimal Levels:
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated supports kidney function and urea clearance.
- Balanced Diet: A healthy, balanced diet with adequate protein ensures normal urea levels.
- Routine Monitoring: Regular blood tests, especially for individuals with chronic kidney or liver conditions, help monitor urea levels and overall health.
Recommended Tests:
- Creatinine Test: Measures kidney function and complements the urea test to provide a fuller picture of kidney health.
Creatinine Test - Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Another key test to assess how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
eGFR Test
