Can creatinine levels be higher after eating certain foods?

Yes, consuming a high-protein meal, particularly red meat, can temporarily increase creatinine levels. This is because creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism, and eating protein-rich foods increases the body’s production of waste products like creatinine. For accurate test results, it’s recommended to avoid high-protein meals before a creatinine test. Your doctor may advise you to follow a specific diet leading up to the test if your creatinine levels are being closely monitored for kidney health.