What Causes Low Creatinine: Medical Experts Weigh In
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 19 Avg: 3.8]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Creatinine is a metabolic waste produced in our bodies. It’s a sign of how well our muscles are working. Knowing about creatinine and what may cause low levels is important for good health. In this article, we’ll discuss low creatinine meaning, what creatinine is and what may cause its levels to drop. We’ll also cover how it affects you, how it’s diagnosed and managed, and how to possibly avoid it. Lastly, we will answer a few frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Our bodies use creatine as an energy source. Creatinine is the waste product after creatine is broken down in skeletal muscles. Kidneys play a significant role in cleaning this waste from our blood.
Our skeletal muscles create creatinine after metabolizing creatine phosphate. The main job of creatinine is to get filtered out from the blood by the kidneys. Then it leaves the body through the urine. This process ensures a steady creatinine level in our blood.
Several factors affect the level of creatinine in our blood. Factors like age, gender, the amount of muscle, and race play a role. The common range for adult men is 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL and for adult women, 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL. These values may change from person to person based on which laboratory they get their tests done and on their body makeup.
Did you know?
There are many factors that may lead to low creatinine levels. These may include having less muscle mass, liver issues, diet, and certain health conditions or being pregnant.
Having less skeletal muscle in the body may result in lower levels of creatinine. This is because skeletal muscles are broken down to creatinine.
As we grow older, our muscles lose mass. This may lead to the elderly having lower creatinine levels.
Low muscle mass may be due to muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis. These diseases may lower creatinine levels.
Not getting enough food or protein may lead to muscle loss and lower creatinine levels.
Liver problems such as liver disease or failure may impact the making of creatine. This may lower the level of creatinine.
What you eat may also affect creatinine levels. A diet low in protein, vegetarian, or vegan diet may lead to lower creatinine levels.
People following a plant-based diet may have less creatinine due to less creatine input from food.
Eating less protein may affect how much creatine is made, leading to lower creatinine levels.
Expecting mothers may have lower creatinine levels during pregnancy. This happens due to the increase in blood reaching the kidneys. This returns back to normal once the baby is born.
Certain health issues may also lead to low creatinine levels. These include Addison’s disease, myasthenia gravis, and nephritic syndrome.
Researchers have found that since the liver produces creatine, decreased liver function may result in a decrease in the body’s production of creatinine. To my knowledge, overall liver functioning may be hampered by liver disease and liver failure brought on by other medical disorders.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
The symptoms and signs depend on what’s causing the low level.
Symptoms of low creatinine levels can be difficult to spot they are as follows.
It’s crucial to get an overall check-up. Talk to your healthcare provider about any symptoms you’re noticing. Also, get a complete check of your medical history and do any laboratory tests that are needed.
To my knowledge, the following are some things that might cause lower creatinine levels, which might make your eGFR level seem greater than it actually is: eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, low muscle mass, being pregnant, past history of muscular atrophy or amputation, and severe liver cirrhosis. In my opinion, it is crucial that you consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding how to interpret your eGFR or serum creatinine levels.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
One can find out the presence of low creatinine levels by getting blood, urine tests, and a physical examination along with a review of medical history. All of which will be carried out by your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will also look at your past health data. This includes ongoing diseases, medicine use, and any family history of kidney disease, along with a physical examination, to find out why you might have low creatinine levels.
Your healthcare provider may suggest taking a blood or urine test. These tests may help find out how well your kidneys are working.
Can be measured in blood or urine samples. A standard test is performed on blood samples to ascertain serum creatinine levels. In the case of urine creatinine levels, 24-hour urine needs to be collected.
This test compares the amount of creatinine in your blood with the amount of creatinine in urine collected in a set time slot (like 24 hours). The result estimates how well your kidneys are working.
This test looks at the amount of albumin (a type of protein) and creatinine in the urine. If there is more albumin in the urine, it may point to a possible kidney disease.
Using your blood test results for creatinine, your healthcare provider can work out your estimated GFR. This tells how well your kidneys are working.
In my experience, cigarette smoking has several negative effects on the body, one of which is a markedly elevated risk of chronic kidney disease. Researchers claim that giving up smoking may help lower your risk of developing kidney problems that might fluctuate your creatinine levels.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Your healthcare provider will recommend low creatinine treatment options if they find a cause for your low creatinine levels. Managing this issue may involve dealing with health conditions, changing medications, and adjusting lifestyle habits.
Management depends on the cause of your low creatinine levels.
In cases where a disease is causing low creatinine levels, like liver disease or muscle disease, your healthcare provider may tell you to take certain medicines to manage these diseases.
If a medicine that you’re taking causes low creatinine levels, your healthcare provider may change your medicine or adjust your doses.
Making changes to your everyday habits may help improve your creatinine levels.
If your diet is lacking in protein or has too much creatine from animals and is causing abnormal creatinine levels, you might have to change your diet. This change should include a healthy mix of protein sources and the right amount of calories.
Doing regular physical workouts may help gain muscle mass. This can in turn boost creatinine levels. Your healthcare provider or a physical therapist can tell you which type of exercise may suit you the best.
If you’re not getting enough food or certain nutrients and this is causing low creatinine levels, your healthcare provider may advise taking dietary supplements. It is never advisable to start taking dietary supplements on your own without your healthcare provider’s guidance.
To steer clear of low creatinine levels, you may try a few things which are as follows.
By keeping track of your creatinine levels regularly with routine blood and urine tests, you can detect any shift in your kidney function early on. This way, necessary steps can be taken sooner.
Making sure that you eat a balanced diet, including using different sources of proteins and taking in the right amount of calories, may help keep normal creatinine levels.
Keeping your body hydrated helps your kidneys stay healthy and that may help maintain a normal creatinine level.
Doing regular physical activities and exercises that help keep or grow muscle mass may help maintain normal creatinine levels.
Low creatinine levels can be due to many reasons and can pose health risks. It all depends on what’s causing this low level. If the source of the problem is found early on, there’s a strong chance of addressing the issue and trying to maintain a normal creatinine level.
Low creatinine levels may occur due to reasons like less muscle mass, liver problems, food choices, and pregnancy. The symptoms vary as per the cause. To diagnose this condition, blood and urine tests are carried out, along with reviewing an individual’s total health. Healthcare providers can prepare tailor-made management plans by understanding what’s causing the low creatinine levels.
Low creatinine levels could mean loss of muscle, liver issues, lack of nutrition, or excess removal that occurs during pregnancy. To manage this properly, identifying the cause is the first step.
Low creatinine levels can be signs of a number of health conditions. These can range from lesser problems like lack of proper nutrition to severe health issues like liver disease or muscle diseases. It’s important to meet a healthcare provider if you’re worried about your creatinine levels.
To raise creatinine levels in a natural way, you may consider adding protein in your diet, doing regular workouts to maintain or grow muscle mass, and drinking enough water.
Yes, older adults, people with muscle disorders, individuals suffering from liver issues, people who lack proper nutrition or expectant mothers may be at a higher risk of low creatinine levels.
If you find your creatinine levels often going beyond the normal range or if you feel any signs linked to low creatinine levels like weak muscles or being tired, it’s crucial to speak to a healthcare provider. They can evaluate further and provide fitting management options.
To naturally increase creatinine levels, focus on consuming protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and dairy products, along with adequate hydration. However, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Low creatinine levels can indicate potential kidney issues, muscle loss, or pregnancy. However, context is crucial as it may be normal for pregnant women. Always consult a healthcare professional for accurate interpretation.
Low creatinine levels can indicate reduced muscle mass, malnutrition, or potential kidney dysfunction. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.
Low creatinine levels can sometimes signal kidney disease, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or swelling. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, low creatinine levels are considered normal during pregnancy due to the increase in blood volume and changes in kidney function. However, it’s essential for expecting mothers to consult their healthcare provider for proper monitoring and guidance.
Low creatinine clearance suggests decreased kidney function, as it reflects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood. It can indicate kidney disease or impairment and may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Low creatinine levels are not typically associated with preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is diagnosed through other indicators such as high blood pressure, protein in urine, and organ dysfunction. Consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and monitoring is crucial during pregnancy.
Foods high in high-quality protein like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy can help maintain healthy creatinine levels. Additionally, consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall kidney health and function. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations.
Dehydration can lead to temporarily lower creatinine levels due to reduced kidney function. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate an underlying health issue and typically resolves once hydration levels are restored. Consulting a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and hydration management is advised.
Hypothyroidism is not typically associated with low creatinine levels. Creatinine levels may be affected by kidney function, muscle mass, and other factors, but direct causation with hypothyroidism is uncommon. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management of thyroid and kidney health.
Diabetes is not directly linked to low creatinine levels. However, kidney damage associated with diabetes, known as diabetic nephropathy, can lead to increased creatinine levels rather than decreased. Low creatinine levels may indicate other factors like muscle loss or malnutrition. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and management.
Fatty liver disease isn’t typically associated with low creatinine levels. Creatinine levels may be influenced by muscle mass, kidney function, and hydration status, but direct causation with fatty liver is rare. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management of both fatty liver disease and any associated conditions.
Cancer itself typically doesn’t directly cause low creatinine levels. However, certain cancers or cancer treatments may indirectly affect kidney function, which can lead to changes in creatinine levels. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management of cancer-related complications.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which may temporarily lower creatinine levels due to reduced kidney function. However, sustained alcohol abuse can also contribute to kidney damage, potentially leading to elevated creatinine levels. It’s important to seek medical advice for proper assessment and management of alcohol-related health issues.
Low creatinine levels are not typically associated with weight gain directly. However, underlying health conditions contributing to low creatinine, such as muscle loss or malnutrition, may indirectly affect weight. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the underlying cause of low creatinine and address any associated health concerns.
In some cases, lupus can cause low creatinine levels due to kidney involvement or muscle wasting. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and management of lupus-related complications.
UTIs typically don’t cause low creatinine levels directly. However, severe or recurrent UTIs can lead to dehydration or kidney dysfunction, which may indirectly affect creatinine levels. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Low creatinine levels are not directly linked to high blood pressure. However, kidney dysfunction associated with low creatinine can contribute to hypertension over time. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of blood pressure issues.
Treating low creatinine levels involves addressing underlying causes such as malnutrition, muscle loss, or kidney dysfunction. This may include dietary adjustments, managing underlying health conditions, or medications if necessary. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for personalized treatment options.
Reversing low creatinine levels depends on addressing the underlying cause, such as malnutrition, muscle loss, or kidney dysfunction. With appropriate treatment and management, it’s possible to restore creatinine levels to normal ranges over time. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized guidance and monitoring.
Low creatinine levels typically don’t directly cause muscle cramps. However, underlying conditions leading to low creatinine, such as malnutrition or muscle wasting, may contribute to muscle cramps. Consulting a healthcare professional is important to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management for muscle cramps.
Low creatinine levels are not a direct cause of fatigue. However, they can be associated with underlying conditions such as malnutrition or kidney dysfunction, which may contribute to feelings of tiredness. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to investigate and address the underlying cause of fatigue.
Low creatinine levels themselves do not directly cause seizures. However, underlying conditions associated with low creatinine, such as kidney dysfunction or malnutrition, may contribute to seizure risk. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for proper diagnosis and management of seizures and related conditions.
Anemia typically doesn’t directly cause low creatinine levels. However, conditions leading to anemia, like chronic kidney disease or malnutrition, may indirectly affect creatinine levels. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to identify the underlying cause of low creatinine and address any related health concerns.
Clear urine does not necessarily indicate low creatinine levels. Creatinine levels are not visibly related to urine clarity. Clear urine can be influenced by hydration levels, while creatinine levels are typically assessed through blood tests. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate assessment and interpretation of creatinine levels.
There isn’t a direct association between Ozempic (semaglutide) and low creatinine levels. However, individual responses to medications can vary, and some patients may experience changes in kidney function while taking Ozempic. It’s important for individuals on Ozempic to undergo regular monitoring of kidney function and consult their healthcare provider if any concerns arise.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) typically doesn’t directly cause low creatinine levels. However, ALS can lead to muscle wasting and loss of muscle mass over time, which might result in lower creatinine levels due to reduced muscle production. Monitoring creatinine levels alongside ALS progression is advisable for comprehensive patient care.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments