Possible causes of low creatinine levels are low muscle mass, liver problems, dietary factors, and pregnancy. If creatine levels are low, it could indicate that the liver or muscles are not working as they should.
When the body uses a compound called creatine for energy, the process creates creatinine as a waste product.
Low creatinine levels often result from muscle loss, pregnancy, illness, or malnutrition. By contrast, high creatinine levels may indicate an issue with kidney function.
This article discusses what creatinine levels mean, and what can lead to abnormal results.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Creatine, a substance found in muscle tissue, has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to evidence that it may improve short-term intense athletic performance.
When creatine breaks down as it is used for energy, creatinine is created as a waste product.
Creatinine levels vary between people depending on factors such as body size, muscle mass, age, race, or sex assigned at birth. However, 0.63 to 1.16 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for males and 0.48 to 0.93 mg/dL for females is a typical range.
Creatinine levels
They are also dependent on blood volume. Someone who is dehydrated, for example, will have a higher creatinine than someone with a typical blood volume.
Low creatinine levels could indicate a problem with the muscles or liver, but may be due to something less severe, such as reduced muscle mass in older adults, drinking too much water (psychogenic polydipsia), or pregnancy.
Creatinine is always present in the bloodstream, where the kidneys remove it from the body through the urine.
The test uses a timed urine sample, which means that all the urine someone passes in a set time period, such as 24 hours, is collected and tested to show how much creatinine the kidneys have removed from the body.
There are four key causes of low creatinine:
- low muscle mass
- liver problems
- diet
- pregnancy or illness
Low muscle mass
Creatinine levels are often linked with muscle mass or the amount of muscle in the body, which can decrease with age or illness.
Low levels may indicate a loss of muscle density, which can happen naturally with age.
Liver problems
The liver makes creatine, meaning that reduced liver function
Diet
Although the body produces creatine independently, it can also
Creatine is mostly found in meat, so those who follow a vegetarian or low protein diet may have lower levels than meat eaters. In these instances, supplementation
A prolonged period of not eating or having an illness that prevents someone from eating could be another cause of low creatinine levels.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often a cause of low creatinine levels, which should return to normal after a person has given birth.
Symptoms of low creatinine will vary depending on the underlying condition but can include:
- Low muscle mass: Lack of strength, difficulty exercising, a thin or frail body.
- Liver disease: An inflamed liver, which may cause pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, fatigue, or nausea.
- Diet-related: Feeling faint or dizzy, losing weight.
Typically, symptoms are unlikely to point clearly to low creatinine levels and could indicate other health problems.
A medical professional may test creatinine levels as part of an evaluation if needed.
High creatinine levels usually mean that there is too much creatine in the body or that creatinine is not being filtered and removed from the body properly.
High levels may indicate a kidney problem, as these organs remove waste products from the body to keep the blood clean.
Creatinine levels often rise during intense exercise, as more creatine is burned for energy, or because someone may eat a high protein diet.
Low creatinine levels may indicate various different conditions, so a doctor will use test results alongside other checks to work out what the underlying issue could be.
In cases of low creatinine levels due to liver disease, treatment may involve medication or lifestyle changes. These changes could include eating a more balanced diet and giving up alcohol.
If someone has a muscle disease, treatment may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery to support them to remain mobile.
How to increase creatinine levels
Exercising, eating large amounts of cooked meats, and taking creatine supplements can all increase creatinine levels, providing a person has healthy liver function.
Low creatinine levels can indicate liver disease or a loss of muscle mass. Illnesses and pregnancy can also reduce serum creatinine levels. Some studies also associate vegetarian and vegan diets with reductions in muscle mass and creatinine levels.
Creatinine levels above 1.4 mg/dL for males and 1.2 mg/dL for females indicate that the kidneys are not working as usual.
A person’s age, sex assigned at birth, race, and overall health can affect what is a ‘normal’ creatinine level for them. However, 0.63 to 1.16 mg/dL for males and 0.48 to 0.93 mg/dL for women is a typical range.
Increasing creatinine intake through diet or supplements and exercising more are natural ways to increase creatinine levels.
Creatinine levels vary between people depending on factors such as body size, muscle mass, age, race, or gender. However, 0.63 to 1.16 mg/dL for males and 0.48 to 0.93 mg/dL for females is a typical range.
Low creatinine levels can occur due to a loss in muscle mass, illness, or pregnancy.