CREATININE
-
Creatinine is a chemical waste product of muscle metabolism used during contraction. Creatinine is produced by creatine, which is an important molecule in muscles that is responsible for producing energy.
-
Causes of Increased and Decreased Creatinine in the Body
-
The normal level of creatinine in the blood in adults is 0.8-1.2 mg/dL. However, the value range may vary in each laboratory.
-
Creatinine levels will usually be higher in young adults or people who have a lot of muscle tissue, for example athletes or people who often exercise weight lifting.
-
However, in addition to factors such as age, activity, and body muscle mass, increased creatinine levels can also be caused by certain medical conditions or diseases, such as:
-
- Kidney problems, such as kidney failure, kidney stones, and kidney infections
- Dehydration
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Side effects of certain drugs, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics
- Consume a lot of meat
-
Conversely, creatinine levels may decrease in people with malnutrition or liver disease. A decrease in creatinine levels is also often experienced by the elderly.