COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 891
While conventional medicine primarily uses CRP for cardiovascular
risk assessment, functional practitioners recognize it as a key
marker for evaluating multiple conditions [71, 72]:
Autoimmune Activity
Elevated CRP can indicate underlying autoimmune processes
even before diagnostic criteria are met for specific conditions,
prompting earlier intervention [73].
Gastrointestinal Inflammation
CRP elevations may reflect intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut
inflammation, often correlating with intestinal permeability findings
[74].
Metabolic Dysregulation
CRP serves as an indicator of metabolic inflammation associated
with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and obesity [75].
Neuroinflammation
Emerging research links elevated CRP with cognitive decline,
depression, and neurodegenerative conditions, highlighting the
importance of monitoring this marker for brain health [76].
Monitoring Protocol and Interpretation
For optimal clinical utility, CRP should be measured:
● At baseline assessment for all patients
● Every 3 months when actively treating inflammatory
conditions
● Every 6 months for patients with previous elevations
● Annually for maintenance monitoring in stable patients
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