Science

Inflammatory markers beyond hs-CRP

hs-CRP isn't the only number doctors look at — here's the rest of the picture.

These are clinical blood tests ordered and interpreted by a doctor — this page is background information, not a guide to self-testing or self-diagnosing.

hs-CRP

The most commonly used general inflammation marker — see our dedicated page for detail.

IL-6 (Interleukin-6)

A cytokine that helps trigger CRP production; often studied directly in research as an earlier signal in the inflammatory cascade.

TNF-alpha

Another key signalling cytokine, involved in both acute immune response and, when chronically elevated, various inflammatory conditions.

ESR (sed rate)

An older, less specific marker measuring how quickly red blood cells settle — still used clinically, particularly for monitoring some autoimmune conditions.

Ferritin

Primarily known as an iron-storage marker, but it also rises during inflammation, which can complicate interpreting iron levels during illness.

Homocysteine

An amino acid sometimes elevated alongside inflammatory and cardiovascular risk markers, influenced partly by B-vitamin status.

Why THE FAD doesn't ask for any of these

These require a blood draw and clinical interpretation — context THE FAD's self-reported lifestyle score can't replace. If you want an objective, clinical read on your inflammation, these are the tests to discuss with your doctor; THE FAD is aiming for a same-day, no-blood-draw estimate of the lifestyle side of the picture.

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