What Does Creatinine Mean?
Creatinine is a waste product filtered by your kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney function, though it can also rise temporarily from high-protein intake or intense exercise.
What Creatinine Measures
Creatinine is produced from muscle metabolism and filtered out by the kidneys. When kidney function drops, creatinine builds up in the blood. It's a key marker of kidney health — used alongside eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate).
Normal Ranges
Normal (men)0.7–1.3 mg/dL
Normal (women)0.6–1.1 mg/dL
ElevatedAbove age/sex range
Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab. Always use the range provided on your specific test report.
What Affects Your Creatinine Level
- Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- Dehydration
- High-protein diet or creatine supplements
- Intense muscle breakdown (heavy exercise)
- Certain medications (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors)
- Muscle mass (higher in bodybuilders)