Myths vs facts: CRP Entzündung and Sport

Myth: A CRP gene variant (e.g., rs1205) directly determines whether you are inflamed or not. Fact: The T allele is associated with slightly lower baseline CRP, but the effect is small and not clinically diagnostic. A blood CRP measurement is more reliable. Myth: Exercise raises CRP and is therefore bad for inflammation. Fact: Acute, intense exercise can transiently increase CRP due to muscle damage, but regular moderate endurance training lowers baseline CRP over the long term. The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise is well supported. Myth: Anyone with elevated CRP should immediately take medication. Fact: CRP is a non-specific marker; lifestyle, diet, sleep, and stress have major influences. In asymptomatic athletes, a mildly elevated CRP without symptoms is not a cause for concern. Evidence for the CRP-lowering effect of exercise is human-moderate; for the genetic association it is human-observational. Caveat: Consumer DNA tests often overstate clinical significance. A blood test and medical evaluation are essential.