Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles during normal activity. Your kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it in urine. When kidney function declines, creatinine levels in the blood rise. Understanding your creatinine levels is essential for assessing kidney health.
Normal Creatinine Levels
| Group | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Males | 0.7 - 1.3 mg/dL | Higher due to greater muscle mass |
| Adult Females | 0.6 - 1.1 mg/dL | Lower due to less muscle mass |
| Children | 0.3 - 0.7 mg/dL | Varies with age and muscle development |
| CKD Stage 3 | 1.5 - 3.0 mg/dL | Moderate kidney damage |
What High Creatinine Means
High creatinine levels (above normal range) indicate that your kidneys may not be filtering blood properly. However, creatinine can also be elevated due to:
Dehydration
High protein diet
Intense exercise
Certain medications
Kidney infection
Kidney stones
Chronic kidney disease
Acute kidney injury
What Low Creatinine Means
Low creatinine levels are less common but can indicate:
Low muscle mass (malnutrition, muscle wasting)
Severe liver disease
Pregnancy
Certain medications
Check Your GFR
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) is a better indicator of kidney function than creatinine alone. Use our GFR calculator to estimate your kidney function.