Myths vs facts: CRP Entzündung and gut health

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific inflammatory marker produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6. Elevated CRP can indicate acute or chronic inflammation, but it does not directly measure gut health. Evidence suggests that impaired gut barrier function ('leaky gut') and dysbiosis may contribute to systemic inflammation reflected in CRP levels. However, the evidence is mostly mechanistic and observational; large RCTs are lacking. Fact: CRP is not a specific gut marker. Myth: A normal CRP rules out gut issues – false, because local gut inflammation may not be systemically detectable. Consumer DNA tests analyzing CRP gene variants typically have small effect sizes and lack clinical validation. A more useful approach is medical evaluation with stool tests (calprotectin) and lifestyle optimization (fiber, omega-3s, exercise). Caution: CRP alone should not be used for diagnosis or treatment decisions.