Pregnancy is often a cause of low creatinine levels, which should return to normal after a woman has given birth. Learn more about creatine supplements here. In these instances, supplementation may help.Ī prolonged period of not eating or having an illness that prevents someone from eating could be another cause of low creatinine levels.

DietĪlthough the body produces creatine independently, it can also come from the diet.Ĭreatine is mostly found in meat, so those who follow a vegetarian or low protein diet may have lower levels than meat eaters. Liver disease and liver failure due to other health conditions can all impair function. The liver makes creatine – meaning that reduced liver function can lower creatine production. Low levels may indicate a loss of muscle density, which can happen naturally with age. There are four key causes of low creatinine:Ĭreatinine levels are often linked with muscle mass or the amount of muscle in the body, which can decrease with age or illness. Low creatinine levels could indicate a problem with the muscles or liver but may be due to something less serious, such as reduced muscle mass in older adults, drinking too much water (psychogenic polydipsia), or pregnancy. Someone who is dehydrated, for example, will have a higher creatinine than someone with a normal blood volume. However, 0.63 – 1.16 mg/dL for men and 0.48-0.93 mg/dL for women is a typical range.Ĭreatinine levels above 1.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) for men and 1.2 mg/dl for women indicate that the kidneys are not working as normal.

When creatine breaks down as it is used for energy, creatinine is created as a waste product.Ĭreatinine levels vary between people depending on factors such as body size, muscle mass, age, race, or gender.

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.

Bun and creatinine levels normal range