Common Causes of Low Creatinine Levels

Creatinine level is an indicator of kidney health. Serum creatinine level remain normal when our body is functioning normally. Though many causes of low creatinine levels are not harmful, low blood creatinine may sometimes indicate the presence of severe medical conditions.

▪ A low protein diet.
Creatinine is produced through the processing of protein. If a person is eating unusually low levels of protein, the body will be making less creatinine, resulting in reduced creatinine levels.

▪ Loss of muscle mass.
This can occur with aging, a natural decline in the amount of muscle mass in the body. It can also be related with some medical conditions such as wasting diseases, sudden weight loss, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, and injuries that force people to take bedrest.

▪ Pregnancy
Pregnancy may cause low creatinine levels because of the redirection of nutrients to the baby. Pregnant women may have less creatine phosphate to break down due to changes in the body. Decreased creatine phosphate breakdown leads to reduced levels of creatinine.

▪ Liver disease
Usually, the liver disease is already known when low creatinine levels are observed, but drop in creatinine levels can be an indicator that the disease is deteriorating or that the liver is under stress. Diseases that can affect the liver include fatty liver disease, hepatitis and metabolic disorders such as Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis.

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