Assessment of Anion Gap and Kidney Functioning in Male Bodybuilders Engaged in Intensive Exercise in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

Aim: Bodybuilding has become a growing profession among young men of recent, influencing kidney functioning, acid-base balance and the overall health of an individual hence the assessment of serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes and the anion gap in male bodybuilders engaged in intensive exercise in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Study Design: It is a cross sectional study that lasted for 6months between the periods of May 2025 to November 2025 Method: Forty-one (41) participants were recruited; comprising of twenty one male bodybuilders and twenty male controls who gave their informed consent. serum urea, creatinine and electrolytes were determined from blood samples collected using enzymatic and colorimetric techniques respectively. The anion gap was computed from measured electrolytes. Statistical analysis was done using t-test and Pearson’s correlation in conjunction with relevant information from the structured questionnaires. Results: There was a significant increase in serum urea (6.599 ± 2.128 mmol/L) and creatinine (133.5 ± 73.67 µmol/L) levels in the bodybuilders compared to controls (2.445 ± 0.993 mmol/L and 77.17 ± 12.89 µmol/L respectively (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced protein metabolism, hence signifying a burden on the kidney. Potassium levels were significantly increased in bodybuilders (4.206 ± 0.576 mmol/L) compared to the controls (3.480 ± 0.346 mmol/L (p <0.0001). The electrolytes and anion gap were not significantly different, indicating a normal muscle functioning and acid-base balance. However, urea levels correlated positively with years of bodybuilding (r = 0.67, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The increased serum urea and creatinine levels observed with no acid-base imbalances suggests that the kidney does not have a dysfunction rather it might be an expression of normal adaptive responses to kidney stress resulting from the intensive training exercises and dietary practices among bodybuilders. This underscores the importance of awareness and monitoring of these biochemical markers to help mitigate risk for metabolic and chronic renal diseases.