Kidney
Creatinine
Unit: mg/dLID: M019
What This Test Measures
Muscle metabolism waste; kidney function marker
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
0.6-1.2 mg/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
0.8-1.1 (men), 0.6-0.9 (women) mg/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Creatinine reflects muscle mass and kidney filtration. Gabriel's optimal band: 0.8-1.1 for men, 0.6-0.9 for women. Used to calculate GFR. High creatinine = reduced kidney function (GFR <60 = chronic kidney disease). Gabriel monitors trends over time.
When This Test Is High
Kidney disease, dehydration, high muscle mass
When This Test Is Low
Low muscle mass, malnutrition
Related Conditions
Kidney disease, muscle wasting
Recommended Follow-Up
Calculate GFR; if elevated, check BUN, urinalysis; consider renal ultrasound