Urea levels provide important information about a person’s kidney and liver health. Normally blood urea levels should be within a certain range. This range may vary depending on laboratory standards and the person’s age, gender and dietary habits. Usually, urea levels are evaluated during blood tests by measuring a component of the blood called urea nitrogen (BUN). Low urea levels may be a sign of certain conditions, such as extreme protein deficiency, liver problems or malabsorption.
What is the urea test?
The urea test is a blood test that measures the amount of urea in the blood. Urea is a waste product formed as a result of the breakdown of proteins. The kidneys filter urea from the blood and remove it from the body through urine. The urea test is usually done in the following situations:
- To evaluate kidney function: Urea is an important indicator of how well the kidneys are working. If the kidneys are not working properly, the amount of urea in the blood may increase.
- To evaluate liver functions: The liver helps produce urea. If the liver is damaged, the amount of urea in the blood may increase.
- To evaluate dehydration: In case of dehydration, the amount of urea in the blood may increase.
- For diagnosis and monitoring of chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD): In people with CBP, the amount of urea in the blood is often high.
The urea test is performed with a blood sample taken from the fingertip or from a vein in the arm. Test results are reported by the laboratory as normal and abnormal values. The results of the urea test may be abnormal in the following situations:
- High urea: This may be a sign of conditions such as kidney failure, liver disease, dehydration or CBP.
- Low urea: This may be a sign of conditions such as a diet that reduces protein intake, liver failure, or a side effect of certain medications.
What causes low urea?
What does low urea indicate?
Urea is a waste product formed as a result of the breakdown of proteins. The kidneys filter urea from the blood and remove it from the body through urine. Low blood urea is when the amount of urea in the blood is below normal. “What causes low urea?” To answer the question, the reasons for low urea are as follows:
- Insufficient protein intake: Proteins are necessary for the production of urea. In case of insufficient protein intake, the amount of urea in the blood may decrease.
- Liver disease: The liver helps produce urea. If the liver is damaged, urea production may decrease.
- Side effects of some medications: Some medications can reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete urea. This may cause the amount of urea in the blood to decrease.
- Pregnancy: In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, the amount of urea in the blood usually decreases. This condition occurs under the influence of some hormones produced by the placenta.
- Kidney failure: In case of renal failure, the kidneys cannot adequately excrete urea. This may cause the amount of urea in the blood to decrease.
Low blood urea usually does not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, the following symptoms of low blood urea nitrogen (bun) may occur:
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Migraine
- Constipation
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- muscle cramps
- kidney pain
Diagnosis of low blood urea nitrogen is made with a blood test. If the amount of urea is below the normal value in the blood test, a diagnosis of low urea can be made. Treatment of low blood urea nitrogen depends on the underlying cause.
Is low urea dangerous?
Low blood urea nitrogen is generally not a serious health problem. However, if there is an underlying cause, it is important to treat this cause. Situations where low blood urea may be dangerous are as follows:
- Kidney failure: In case of renal failure, the kidneys cannot adequately excrete urea. This may cause the amount of urea in the blood to decrease. Kidney failure is a serious health problem and can lead to death if left untreated.
- Liver disease: In case of liver disease, the liver cannot produce or excrete urea. This may cause the amount of urea in the blood to decrease. Liver disease is a serious health problem and can lead to death if left untreated.
People with low blood urea should contact their doctor immediately if they notice the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Migraine
- Constipation
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- muscle cramps
- kidney pain
What are the foods that increase blood urea?
Foods that increase blood urea are protein-rich foods. Proteins are necessary for the production of urea. Increasing protein intake may help increase the amount of urea in the blood. Foods that increase blood urea include:
- Red meat: Red meat is one of the richest foods in terms of protein.
- White meat: White meats such as chicken and fish are also rich in protein.
- Egg: Eggs are a protein-rich food.
- Milk and milk products: Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are also rich in protein.
- Legumes: Legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils are also rich in protein.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds such as hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds are also rich in protein.
Consumption of these foods may help increase the amount of urea in the blood. However, it is important that people with high urea do not consume too much of these foods. Excessive protein intake can damage the kidneys. People with high urea should avoid the following foods:
- Processed meats: Processed meats can contain high amounts of protein.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can damage the kidneys.
- Caffeinated drinks: Caffeine can damage the kidneys.
People with high urea should create a diet plan by consulting their doctor. It is important for people with low blood urea to take the following precautions:
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys function properly.
- Increasing protein intake: Proteins are necessary for the production of urea. Increasing protein intake may help increase the amount of urea in the blood.
- Staying away from alcohol and cigarettes: Alcohol and smoking can damage the kidneys.
- Exercising regularly: Exercising regularly helps improve overall health and support kidney function.
What causes low urea during pregnancy?
Low urea during pregnancy is generally normal. This is because during pregnancy, the kidneys remove urea from the blood more efficiently. Some factors that may cause low urea during pregnancy include:
- Growing placenta: The placenta can increase blood flow to the kidneys. This may help the kidneys excrete urea more efficiently.
- Increased blood volume: Blood volume increases during pregnancy. This may cause the amount of urea in the blood to decrease.
- Low protein intake: Protein needs increase during pregnancy. Insufficient protein intake can cause the amount of urea in the blood to decrease.
Low urea during pregnancy usually resolves on its own. However, in some cases there may be an underlying cause. If there is an underlying cause, it is important to treat it. People with low urea during pregnancy should create a diet plan by consulting their doctor.