What Does Low Creatinine Levels Mean?

Normal creatinine levels differ according to muscle mass and body size. For instance, in men, the normal range is between 0.6 and 1.2 mg/dl and in women, the normal range is between 0.5 and 1.1 mg/dl but what does a low creatinine level mean and what causes low creatinine level? Well, it can mean anything from lower muscle mass to intake of low protein diet to serious liver disease.

What happens with low creatinine levels and why it happens and is it a threat? Let us see the details of low creatinine levels and what causes low creatinine levels.

Low Creatinine Levels - What Does It Mean?

As said above low creatinine levels means lower muscle mass that could be caused by a disease like muscular dystrophy or even due to increasing age. It can even indicate a few types of liver diseases or a diet that's very much low in protein.

[Also Read: Diet rich in protein]

At times pregnancy can even lead to low blood creatinine levels.

What Causes Of Low Creatinine Levels

Low creatinine is the result of 4 main causes;

• Low muscle mass
• Diet
• Liver problems
• Illness or pregnancy

1. Low Muscle Mass

The quantity of muscle or muscle mass and levels of creatinine are generally linked. Low levels could signal that muscles are not strong enough or are weakening however, aged people lose muscle and it isn't a serious concern.

2. Liver Problems

Creatine is manufactured in the liver and a liver that's not properly working doesn't produce a normal amount of it. When a liver doesn't work properly there could be 50% less production of creatine. This indicates low creatinine levels in the blood.

Remember there is very much interconnection between low creatinine levels and liver disease.

[Also Read: Best foods for liver health]

3. Diet

Creatine is naturally made by the body however, small amounts come from food. A long period of not eating food rich in creatine can lead to this.

4. Pregnancy

Although it is also the main cause following delivery normalcy is seen. Besides the above 4, even diabetes and low creatinine levels go together.

Low Levels Of Creatinine Symptoms

Symptoms differ based on the condition but usually below are the symptoms;

• Low Muscle Mass: Difficulty with physical activities, less strength, and a fragile body.
• Liver Disease: Inflamed liver that may lead to pain in the abdomen (upper right side), nausea, or fatigue.
• Diet-related: Loss of weight and dizziness.

Symptoms in most cases don't clearly point to the case and can be other health problem indications.

Can Dehydration Cause Low Creatinine Levels?

Although low mass and liver condition causes this, it could as well stem from dehydration. A dehydrated body uses the remaining water present in the body thereby leading to this condition.

Low Creatinine Levels In Pregnancy

The physiologic augment in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in pregnancy usually results in a reduction in serum creatinine concentration which decreases by an average of 0.4 mg/dl to a pregnancy range of 0.4 to 0.8 mg/dl.

When To Worry About Low Creatinine Levels?

Generally, the outlook is positive for low creatinine levels as long as needed treatment is administered based on the underlying condition. It is only a matter of worry when the condition is due to liver damage or other serious conditions.

How To Treat Low Creatinine Levels?

Low creatinine levels symbolize varied health conditions and based on the condition additional tests are carried and treatment is given. To know the actual cause, doctors may suggest tests like checking for low levels of creatinine in urine and other tests.

If the condition is due to some underlying liver disease treatment is given to restore the health of the liver using medicines or any needed surgery. And if it is due to some muscle issue treatment includes medicines, physical therapy, or surgery.

At times medicines used for other conditions too may lead to this situation and in this situation talk to your doctor.

How To Increase Low Creatinine Levels?

• Do some gentle exercises to increase muscle mass
• Increase creatine intake through diet. Focus more on protein food
• You can rely on creatine supplements
• Drink more water
• Speak to your doctor if you're pregnant and follow the stipulations.

Diet For Low Creatinine Levels

Eat large amounts of protein foods e.g. fish, meat, chicken, cheese, eggs, yogurt, and milk if you have low creatinine levels.

So now you know what does a low creatinine level mean if you have such a situation, try to rectify the condition with a proper diet, and still if it doesn't come to normalcy talk to your doctor.