- 0.7 to 1.3 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL) for men
- 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women
By these standards, creatinine levels above 1.3 mg/dL for men and 1.1 mg/dL for women are considered high.
But Dr. Zuquello says it’s not that simple since these standard ranges don’t necessarily apply to everyone. Normal creatinine levels depend on body size, muscle mass, sex, age, and hydration status. “While a creatinine level of 2 mg/dL can translate into a normal kidney function for a highly muscular, tall athlete, the same levels can also signify severe kidney disease in an elderly, frail, bedbound person with low muscle mass,” he says.
Similarly, someone who eats lots of meat or fish (both sources of creatine) or takes creatine supplements regularly may have slightly elevated levels of creatinine in the blood due to higher levels of creatine breakdown, which is normal and not an indication of poor kidney function, Zuquello says.
