Creatinine is a metabolic byproduct produced when the body breaks down muscle tissue and utilizes creatine, a nitrogen-containing compound that serves as an energy source.
When following a ketogenic diet, shifts in protein metabolism and transient dehydration may contribute to elevated creatinine.
Let’s look at common causes of high creatinine on keto and discover practical steps to restore balance.
What is creatinine?
Creatinine is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down creatine, a compound that facilitates energy production in muscle cells.
Because creatinine is generated at a relatively steady rate, blood concentrations provide a valuable marker of how the body processes energy.
In addition, creatinine is filtered and eliminated via the kidneys, making it a useful indicator of kidney health and function.
Creatinine is typically evaluated using a blood test, which enables healthcare professionals to assess how effectively the body clears waste.
Beyond their role in kidney assessment, creatinine measurements can also provide insights about muscle function and the body’s ability to maintain metabolic balance.
Watch the video below to learn more about the uses and benefits of taking creatine.
What does it mean to have high creatinine?
Normal creatinine levels differ slightly between genders due to differences in muscle mass.
In men, levels typically range from 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and in women from 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL.
Creatinine levels that rise above these ranges can signal that the kidneys may not be clearing waste from the blood as efficiently as expected.
While creatinine is a byproduct of regular muscle activity, factors such as age and exercise routines can significantly impact these values.
In some cases, elevated levels may highlight poor kidney function, impaired metabolic efficiency, or increased muscle breakdown.
In addition, dietary habits, such as high-fat or high-protein intake, can affect the body’s energy metabolism and may contribute to elevated creatinine levels.
Causes of high creatinine on keto
Following a Healthy Keto® diet plan can trigger metabolic changes that alter how the body uses energy, which may influence creatinine levels.
These changes result from a combination of muscle activity, dietary choices, and the body’s adaptation to using fat as a primary fuel source, rather than a single factor.
Here are five common causes of high creatine on a low-carbohydrate diet.
1. High-protein foods
Many people increase their consumption of protein-rich foods on a keto diet to support satiety, recovery, and energy needs.
“When protein is metabolized, it contributes to the natural production of creatinine, which may explain why levels rise with larger consumption,” explains Dr. Berg.
In addition, high-protein diets can affect kidney function and raise creatinine levels, as protein breakdown places extra demand on the kidneys.
Healthy Keto emphasizes a protein intake of around 3 to 6 ounces (85 to 170 grams) per meal to support muscle maintenance and energy needs without overloading the kidneys.
2. Dehydration
Starting a keto diet can trigger increased fluid loss, which increases the risk of dehydration if fluid intake isn’t sufficient.
Dehydration can elevate creatinine levels, as adequate hydration is essential for kidney filtration and for helping the body remove waste products produced during energy metabolism and muscle activity.
Therefore, it’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and replenishing lost electrolytes with bone broth or unsweetened coconut water.
3. Excess creatine intake
Increased creatine intake, whether through supplementation or dietary sources, can play a significant role in influencing creatinine levels.
Foods naturally rich in creatine include red meat, pork, poultry, and fish such as salmon, tuna, and herring.
While dietary intake is generally not linked to high creatinine levels unless extremely high, excessive supplementation can raise creatinine and temporarily affect kidney function tests.
It’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any creatine-containing supplements into your wellness routine.
4. Increased muscle mass
Because creatinine is a byproduct of normal muscle metabolism, individuals with greater muscle mass naturally generate larger amounts.
This is confirmed by a study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, which found that people with higher physical activity and greater lean mass had increased creatinine levels.1
On a keto diet, where muscle is often preserved and protein intake can be higher, this effect may be more noticeable.
This highlights that creatinine levels are influenced by muscle mass and that elevated readings do not always indicate kidney damage.
5. Metabolic adaptation
Shifting from a high-carb to a high-fat diet involves various profound metabolic and hormonal shifts that can affect energy-making pathways and subsequently creatinine levels.
As the body shifts from using carbohydrates as a primary energy source to relying on fat for fuel, protein metabolism may also be temporarily affected, contributing to fluctuations in creatinine.
This adaptation reflects how the body balances different energy sources while maintaining metabolic flexibility.
Other possible causes of high creatinine
Shifts in serum creatinine levels can occur for reasons outside of a ketogenic diet, and several lifestyle or physiological factors may contribute.
Other possible causes of elevated creatinine levels include:
- Excess body weight
- Aging
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Poor metabolic health
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Starvation
- Prolonged endurance exercise
In addition, kidney hyperfiltration, a condition associated with diabetes, pregnancy, high blood pressure, and recovery from kidney disease, can raise creatinine markers.
What to do if your creatinine is high on keto
If creatinine levels are elevated, it’s vital to reduce or discontinue creatine supplementation, as excess creatine is naturally converted into creatinine.
This may be especially relevant for individuals on a keto diet, where higher protein intake may already contribute to elevated creatinine levels.
Staying consistently hydrated is also crucial, as adequate fluid intake helps maintain kidney function and prevents the build-up of creatinine in the blood.
At the same time, moderating workout intensity can help minimize temporary creatinine spikes, as high-intensity exercise that promotes muscle growth can transiently raise creatinine levels.
When to see a doctor
Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if creatinine readings remain elevated or if other health markers are abnormal.
For example, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or renal function may require further investigation.
Similarly, persistent digestive issues, unexplained weight changes, or urinary abnormalities may signal an underlying metabolic or kidney condition that warrants medical evaluation.
Since creatinine is often evaluated in conjunction with other markers that reflect cardiovascular risk, discussing the results with a doctor helps you understand your readings within the context of your overall health.
Key takeaways
High creatinine on keto can result from excessive protein intake, dehydration, and the body’s metabolic adaptation to a low-carb diet.
To help maintain balanced creatinine levels, it’s essential to stay well-hydrated, focus on nutrient-dense whole foods, moderate protein intake, and have regular kidney function tests to monitor any changes.
FAQ
1. What is a normal creatinine level?
A normal creatinine level for adult males ranges between 0.6 and 1.2 mg/dL, and for adult females between 0.5 and 1.1 mg/dL. However, these ranges can vary depending on age, health status, activity levels, and muscle mass.
2. Can keto cause high creatinine?
While a ketogenic diet doesn’t directly cause high creatinine levels, they may rise due to changes in muscle mass and increased protein intake.
3. Is high creatinine always a sign of kidney damage?
No, high creatinine levels aren’t always indicative of kidney damage, as factors such as age, muscle mass, and dietary habits can influence creatinine levels.
4. How can I lower my creatinine levels naturally?
Staying hydrated can help lower creatinine levels naturally, as proper fluid intake supports the kidneys in clearing waste. Balancing protein consumption is also essential, as very high amounts can contribute to increased creatinine production.
5. Should I stop keto if my creatinine is high?
Elevated creatinine levels on keto are often related to excessive protein intake or dehydration, and it’s generally not necessary to stop the diet entirely. Instead, focus on staying well-hydrated, moderating protein intake, and monitoring kidney function with your healthcare provider.
