What is the significance of low creatinine

A medical professional will test creatinine levels as part of a diagnosis if other symptoms are present, and a test is needed.

Usually, low creatinine means that there is too little creatine being produced in the body. This state will relate to the liver, muscles, or diet. High levels of creatinine usually mean that there is too much creatine in the body, or that creatinine is not being filtered and removed from the body properly. Creatinine levels often rise during intense exercise, as more creatine is burned for energy, or because someone may eat a high-protein diet.

High levels could also indicate a problem with the kidneys, as these organs get rid of waste products from the body to keep the blood clean. Low creatinine levels may indicate various different conditions, so a doctor will use test results alongside other checks to work out what the underlying issue could be. If low creatinine levels, alongside other symptoms, show that someone may have liver disease, treatment is likely to start with medication and lifestyle changes.

These changes could include eating a more healthful diet and giving up alcohol. If someone has a muscle disease, treatment may include physical therapy , medication, or surgery to support them to remain mobile. Gentle exercise to increase muscle mass, or increasing creatine intake in the diet may help, particularly for those on a vegetarian diet who may not be eating enough protein.

For people who do high-intensity exercise, creatine as a dietary supplement is generally considered safe. A range of creatine supplements is available for purchase online.

However, the body produces creatine naturally, and most people who eat a balanced diet and are moderately active should not need to supplement their diet. Low creatinine levels can indicate an underlying health problem, such as liver disease, but if this is the case, it will usually present alongside other symptoms.

In these instances, the condition will be best tested by a doctor. More often, low levels of creatinine are a normal part of aging or a temporary issue that can be resolved with changes to diet. The kidneys are essential for balancing the body's internal environment. They help regulate fluid levels and blood pressure, and if they do not work…. A kidney infection, or renal infection, happens when bacteria infecting the bladder or urethra spread to at least one of the kidneys.

In most cases…. Creatine is an organic acid that helps to supply energy to cells, particularly to muscle cells. People use it to improve athletic performance and…. The body produces creatinine as a result of muscle function. A range of issues can cause high creatinine levels.

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When taken in safe doses, magnesium can effectively prevent migraines for many people. Learn more about if it's right for you. Folic acid supplements are generally safe — unless you take too much. Here are 4 folic acid side effects you should know about. Women over the age of 50 have increased needs for several vitamins and minerals.

Here are the 10 best multivitamins for women over Taking certain dietary supplements may be beneficial for lung health. See which vitamins our registered dietitian recommends as the best for…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Symptoms Low vs. Symptoms and causes of low creatinine. Low vs. How to diagnose low creatinine levels. Treatment options for low creatinine. Outlook for a low creatinine level. Read this next. Symptoms of High Creatinine Levels.

Creatinine is often included in routine laboratory testing to evaluate kidney function. There are many reasons why creatinine levels may be low, some as relatively harmless as a low-protein diet and others as serious as advanced liver disease. Low creatinine alone does not generally indicate a serious medical condition and can be caused by multiple factors. When the kidneys are functioning normally, a creatinine level most closely reflects the amount of muscle in the body.

Low muscle mass is a leading cause of a low creatinine level. For example, as people age, their creatinine level may decrease as they lose muscle mass -- particularly if they are not exercising regularly. Another cause of low creatinine is severe malnutrition that leads to muscle loss. When the intake or absorption of calories from food is severely reduced, the body needs an alternate energy source to make up for the insufficient calories.

Fat and protein breakdown -- primarily from muscle tissue -- provides needed energy with low calorie intake or absorption. Prolonged starvation or illness that reduces nutrient absorption can lead to significant loss of muscle mass and a low creatinine level. Diet can also impact creatinine level. A vegetarian diet is one common cause of a low creatinine. Animal protein from meat and fish contributes to the blood creatinine level, but plant-based foods do not.