Creatinine: What Is It, Levels & Symptoms When It Is High

Have you ever wondered how our body measures its internal health? One of the key indicators is creatinine, a chemical substance that serves as a “key factor” in assessing the function of our kidneys.

This seemingly insignificant substance plays an important role in maintaining our body’s balance. But what happens when its levels deviate from normal?

What Is Creatinine?

Creatinine is produced from creatine, a significant substance aimed at energy production in muscles. Specifically, the natural breakdown of creatine leads to the creation of creatinine, which is then filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urine. [1]

Normal levels

The normal levels of creatinine vary by gender and age, but generally range from 0.5 to 1.2 mg/dL.

• For adult men, 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL (65.4 to 119.3 micromoles/L)
• For adult women, 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL (52.2 to 91.9 micromoles/L)

Deviations may indicate kidney dysfunction or other health problems.[2]

• What Are the Creatinine Levels for Dialysis?

When values significantly exceed normal levels, dialysis may become necessary. This usually occurs when levels reach or exceed 5-8 mg/dL, always depending on accompanying symptoms.[2]

What Causes Its Increase?

It’s important to assess the possible causes of this increase before drawing any conclusions.[3]

An increase in blood creatinine is an indication of possible kidney dysfunction, as it is a byproduct produced from muscle metabolism and primarily filtered by the kidneys.
The main causes that can lead to this increase include:

• Kidney infection – inflammation of the kidney structures that filter blood
• Kidney stones that block the urinary system
• Consumption of certain drugs that can affect kidney function (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Antibiotics, Antihypertensives)
• Kidney diseases such as renal failure.

It’s also important to mention that certain chronic conditions can increase the risk of kidney dysfunction and consequently creatinine increase . Such are:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure.

Can Creatinine Be Falsely Elevated?

There are cases where creatinine may appear falsely elevated in the blood without reflecting real kidney dysfunction. Common causes include:

1. Dietary factors: Consuming large amounts of meat or other creatine-rich foods shortly before the test can temporarily increase creatinine levels.
2. Physical activity: Intense physical activity can temporarily increase levels due to increased conversion of creatine to creatinine.
3. Certain medications: Drugs that affect the secretion of creatinine by the kidneys can cause falsely elevated levels without indicating real damage to the kidneys.
4. Laboratory errors: Rarely, technical or analytical errors during the examination process can lead to falsely elevated creatinine levels.

It is of utmost importance to investigate the causes of increased creatinine with medical evaluation to apply the appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of High Creatinine

Symptoms of high creatinine may include:[4]

1. fatigue
2. difficulty breathing
3. reduced urination
4. nausea
5. swelling

Early diagnosis and the application of appropriate therapeutic interventions are of critical importance.

How Is It Reduced?

1. Diet for Low Creatinine

Diet plays a significant role in managing creatinine levels. Foods to avoid contain high amounts of proteins and mainly the amino acid creatine. Some creatine-rich foods are:[5]

• red meat (e.g., beef, pork)
• fish (e.g., herring, trout, salmon)
• dairy products (in smaller quantities)

2. Is There an Herb That Lowers Creatinine?

Certain herbs have traditionally been used to improve kidney function or promote the excretion of toxins. Such are:[5]

• Nettle (Urtica dioica): Believed to help increase urination (diuretic action) and may assist in the excretion of toxins from the kidneys.
• Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum): Thought to have benefits for overall kidney health and support kidney function.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Has diuretic properties and may help enhance the kidney’s excretion of toxins.
• Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon): Mainly known for preventing urinary tract infections, it may also have benefits for kidney health.

However, further research is required for their effectiveness. Additionally, the use of herbs for this purpose should be done cautiously and always under the supervision of a health professional, as self-medication can pose risks, especially for individuals with existing kidney diseases.

Is Creatine Dangerous?

Creatine supplements are popular among athletes for increasing endurance and muscle mass, but excessive consumption can raise creatinine levels, putting pressure on the kidneys. [6]
It’s important to use them in moderation and under the supervision of a specialist.

Conclusion

Understanding creatinine and its significance for our health is a crucial step towards maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
With the right information and appropriate practices, we can effectively manage any deviations from normal levels, thus contributing to the good health of our kidneys.