normal creatinine levels

The normal range for creatinine levels in the blood typically falls between:

• For adult men: 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL (61.9 to 114.9 µmol/L)¹
• For adult women: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL (53 to 97.2 µmol/L)

However, it’s important to understand that these are general guidelines, and slight variations can occur between different laboratories. Moreover, several factors can influence an individual’s creatinine levels, including:

• Age: Children generally have lower levels, and older adults may have lower levels due to decreased muscle mass.
• Sex: Men tend to have higher levels due to greater muscle mass.
• Muscle mass: Individuals with more muscle mass may naturally have higher creatinine levels.
• Diet: High protein intake, especially from cooked meat, can temporarily increase creatinine.²
• Hydration: Dehydration can lead to a higher concentration of creatinine in the blood.³
• Physical activity: Intense exercise can cause a temporary rise in creatinine due to muscle breakdown.⁴

Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism, and the kidneys play a crucial role in filtering it from the blood.⁵ Therefore, creatinine levels are an important indicator of kidney function.⁶ When kidney function declines, creatinine levels in the blood tend to rise because the kidneys are less effective at removing it.⁷

Doctors often consider the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in addition to the creatinine level itself.⁸ The eGFR is calculated using creatinine levels along with other factors like age, sex, and sometimes race, providing a more accurate assessment of how well the kidneys are filtering waste.⁹ An eGFR below 60 mL/min may suggest kidney disease.¹⁰

In summary, while the listed ranges are generally considered normal, it’s essential to have your creatinine test results interpreted by a healthcare professional who can take into account your individual circumstances and other relevant factors.