Evidence check: hsCRP in the context of Darmgesundheit

hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a well-established marker of systemic inflammation, commonly used in cardiovascular risk assessment. In the context of gut health, there is evidence that a compromised gut barrier ('leaky gut') and gut microbiome dysbiosis can contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation, potentially reflected in elevated hsCRP. However, hsCRP is not specific to the gut; many other factors (infections, smoking, obesity) also raise it. Studies show moderate associations between certain gut bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) and hsCRP levels, but causality remains unproven. For assessing gut health specifically, markers like fecal calprotectin or zonulin are more direct. An elevated hsCRP should prompt a broader medical evaluation rather than being interpreted solely as a gut issue. Evidence: human-moderate (associational, not diagnostic).