What It Measures
eGFR estimates the volume of blood filtered by the glomeruli (tiny filters in your kidneys) per minute, expressed in mL/min/1.73m². It is not directly measured but calculated from blood creatinine or cystatin C levels using standardized equations (CKD-EPI 2021). A higher number means better kidney filtration; a lower number indicates impaired kidney function.
eGFR is a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys filter waste from the blood, derived from serum creatinine (or cystatin C), age, sex, and race. It is the single most important marker for assessing kidney function and staging chronic kidney disease (CKD). Declining eGFR is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and progression to kidney failure.
Current Value
What High Means
An eGFR above 120 mL/min/1.73m² (hyperfiltration) can occur in early diabetes, obesity, high-protein diets, or pregnancy. Hyperfiltration may paradoxically indicate early kidney stress — the kidneys are working harder than normal to compensate, which can accelerate glomerular damage over time. It is also seen with increased cardiac output states. In isolation, mildly elevated eGFR is generally not concerning, but persistent hyperfiltration in diabetics is a risk factor for future CKD progression.
Possible Symptoms
Hyperfiltration is typically asymptomatic. In some cases associated with increased urination, thirst, or may be an incidental finding during diabetic screening. No specific symptoms are attributed to high eGFR alone.
What Low Means
Low eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. Values 60-89 with other markers of kidney damage suggest early CKD (Stage 2). Values 30-59 indicate moderate CKD (Stage 3), 15-29 severe CKD (Stage 4), and below 15 kidney failure (Stage 5) potentially requiring dialysis or transplant. Low eGFR is associated with fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, anemia, bone disease, cardiovascular events, and uremia. Causes include diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, prolonged NSAID use, and aging.
Possible Symptoms
Fatigue and weakness, swelling in legs/ankles/feet (edema), foamy or bubbly urine, decreased urine output, persistent nausea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, itchy skin (pruritus), shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, metallic taste in mouth. Many people with mildly reduced eGFR (Stage 2-3a) are asymptomatic.
Risk Factors
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, anemia of chronic kidney disease, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, kidney stones, gout, drug nephrotoxicity, acute kidney injury
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
- •Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- •Alpha-lipoic acid
- •N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- •Vitamin D3
- •Probiotics
- •Astragalus
- •Cordyceps
- •Curcumin/Turmeric
- •B vitamins (B6, B12, folate)
- •Magnesium
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Stay well-hydrated — aim for 2-3 liters of water daily (adjust for activity and climate)
- •Control blood pressure — target <120/80 mmHg through diet, exercise, and medication if needed
- •Manage blood sugar — keep fasting glucose <100 mg/dL and HbA1c <5.7%
- •Reduce sodium intake to <2,300 mg/day (ideally <1,500 mg)
- •Follow a plant-forward diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (Mediterranean or DASH diet)
- •Moderate protein intake — 0.8-1.0 g/kg/day if kidney function is already reduced
- •Exercise regularly — 150+ minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity
- •Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and other nephrotoxic drugs when possible
- •Quit smoking — smoking accelerates kidney function decline
- •Limit alcohol to moderate levels (≤1 drink/day women, ≤2 men)
- •Maintain healthy weight — obesity drives hyperfiltration and CKD progression
- •Monitor and treat dyslipidemia — elevated triglycerides and LDL worsen kidney outcomes
- •Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours) — poor sleep is associated with faster eGFR decline
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Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 112 mL/min/1.73m2 | +21.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 91 mL/min/1.73m2 | -19.0 |
| 2025-06-27 | 110 mL/min/1.73m2 | — |