CRP (C-reactive protein) is a well-established biomarker of inflammation, produced by the liver in response to cytokines like IL-6. Measured in mg/L, normal levels are typically below 5 mg/L; high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) below 1 mg/L indicates low cardiovascular risk. Elevated CRP signals acute or chronic inflammation – causes range from infections, tissue injury, autoimmune disorders to lifestyle factors like smoking or obesity. The test is non-specific: it does not pinpoint the location or cause of inflammation. Therefore, repeated elevated values require medical follow-up. In the context of direct-to-consumer tests like MyBody-X, CRP may be offered as part of an inflammation panel, but it does not constitute a diagnosis. The evidence for CRP's clinical utility is strong (human-strong), but interpretation demands clinical expertise. Caveat: single measurements can be skewed by acute infections; utility for risk stratification in healthy asymptomatic individuals is debated. In summary: CRP is a useful but non-specific inflammatory marker that must always be evaluated in a clinical context.
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