Concerned about possible kidney failure

Dear Ask The Doctor: What does it mean when you have a serum creatinine level of 1.0 and an estimated GFR of 57? I am 59 years old in menopause with osteoporosis. Taking 50,000 units Vitamin D monthly, Calcium daily, Centrum daily, and Vitamin E daily. I do not smoke, my blood pressure is usually 90-110 over 55-70, heart rate 60-70. I am 5 foot 6 and 109 pounds. I exercise each day. One ounce of wine every 3rd day.

Dear Deborah:

I understand your concern about Kidney Failure, Let me reassure you that your levels of Creatinine are within the range and this would mean that your kidney is removing this form your blood along with other waste products so that they would be eliminated through the urine.

The estimated GFR or Glomerular Filtration Rate might be mildly decreased; however it might be good to mention that as we age our GFR would also decrease. Certainly, I would suggest you to avoid any risk factor that might cause stress in your Kidney Function such as smoking and avoid over the counter pain killers and anti inflammatory medication if not necessary. I wish you the best.