Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)Updated 3 months ago
What is BUN?
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood, a waste product from protein breakdown. It helps assess kidney function since kidneys filter urea from the blood. Elevated BUN levels can indicate kidney issues, while low levels might suggest liver disease or malnutrition.
Why is BUN important?
BUN is crucial for monitoring kidney health. High BUN may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or heart failure, while low BUN could signal liver problems or overhydration. SiPhox Health includes BUN in its Cardiometabolic+ panel for this reason.
Understanding BUN levels:
- Normal range:
- 1-17 years: 7-20 mg/dL
- Adult males: 7-25 mg/dL
- Adult females: 6-21 mg/dL
Maintaining optimal BUN levels:
- Diet: Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Stay hydrated to support kidney function.
- Lifestyle: Limit exposure to kidney-damaging substances and manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
DISCLAIMER:
If you are concerned about your BUN levels always consult your physician.