Creatinine normal range, and what eGFR means
Normal serum creatinine is about 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL in men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in women. The eGFR calculated from it matters more: above 90 is normal, below 60 for more than three months suggests chronic kidney disease. Dehydration, muscle mass and some medicines also change creatinine.
eGFR stages
| eGFR | Stage | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 90 or above | G1 | Normal filtering |
| 60 to 89 | G2 | Mildly reduced; often normal for age |
| 45 to 59 | G3a | Mild to moderate CKD |
| 30 to 44 | G3b | Moderate to severe CKD |
| 15 to 29 | G4 | Severe CKD: plan for treatment |
| Below 15 | G5 | Kidney failure: dialysis or transplant discussion |
CKD is diagnosed when a low eGFR or urine protein lasts more than three months. Urine albumin (ACR) is tested alongside.
What protects kidneys, in order of importance
- Blood pressure control: see the high BP diet.
- Blood sugar control if you have diabetes: see the diabetic diet chart.
- Less salt: under 5 g a day.
- The right protein for your stage, set with your doctor and dietitian.
- Avoid NSAID painkillers and unprescribed herbal products.
- Enough water, unless your doctor has set a fluid limit.
For the full plan, see the kidney patient diet chart.
See a doctor first if
- Your eGFR is below 60, or creatinine is rising on repeat tests
- You have swelling, very little urine, or foamy urine
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure and have not had kidney tests
- You take painkillers such as diclofenac or ibuprofen regularly
Common questions
What is the normal creatinine level?
Most labs report about 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. Muscular people run higher and people with little muscle run lower, so the eGFR calculated from creatinine is more useful than the number alone.
What is eGFR, and what is normal?
eGFR estimates how well the kidneys filter, in mL/min/1.73 m². Above 90 is normal, 60 to 89 mildly reduced, 45 to 59 stage 3a, 30 to 44 stage 3b, 15 to 29 stage 4 and below 15 kidney failure. A low eGFR must last over 3 months to be called chronic kidney disease.
What raises creatinine apart from kidney disease?
Dehydration, a very high protein meal or protein supplements before the test, heavy exercise in the previous days, large muscle mass, some medicines (including certain painkillers and antibiotics), and creatine supplements.
Can diet lower creatinine?
Diet does not "wash out" creatinine, and no food cures kidney disease. What helps the kidneys is controlling blood pressure and sugar, the right amount of protein for your stage, less salt, enough water and avoiding painkillers like diclofenac and ibuprofen.
How much protein can I eat with a raised creatinine?
It depends on your stage. Before dialysis, guidelines suggest about 0.6 g per kg a day under supervision; on dialysis it rises to about 1.0 to 1.2 g per kg. Do not cut protein on your own, because too little causes muscle loss.
Which painkillers should I avoid?
NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and mefenamic acid can harm kidneys, especially if used often or when dehydrated. Ask your doctor what is safe for you; paracetamol is usually preferred.
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Sources
- KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD Evaluation and Management
- Inker LA et al. New creatinine- and cystatin C-based equations to estimate GFR. N Engl J Med, 2021
- Ikizler TA et al. KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD, 2020
- National Kidney Foundation. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)