C-Reactive Protein
Inflammation marker
CRP
C-Reactive Protein
Category: Inflammation
Unit: mg/L
Non-specific marker of inflammation. Elevated in infection, injury, or chronic disease.
PED Notes
Training-induced inflammation can elevate CRP. Some AAS may increase systemic inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is more useful for cardiovascular risk assessment -- target <1.0 mg/L for low cardiovascular risk. Rest 48-72h before blood draw for accurate baseline.
When high
Supplements:
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g/day
- Curcumin (Turmeric Extract) -- 500-1000mg/day with black pepper (piperine) for absorption
- Quercetin -- 500mg 2x/day, anti-inflammatory
- Boswellia -- 300-500mg 2x/day, particularly for musculoskeletal inflammation
Lifestyle:
- Reduce processed foods and sugar
- Improve sleep quality
- Regular physical activity
- Investigate underlying cause: occult infection, autoimmune activity, poor dental health, AAS-related tissue damage, visceral fat
Pharmacological options (when hs-CRP remains elevated and cardiovascular risk is elevated):
- Rosuvastatin -- 5-10mg/day; reduces hs-CRP by 30-40% independent of LDL effect (JUPITER trial); particularly valuable in PED users where both ApoB and hs-CRP are elevated; physician oversight, monitor CK and ALT
- Low-dose colchicine -- 0.5mg/day; LoDoCo2 trial showed 31% MACE reduction in stable coronary artery disease; emerging consideration for AAS users with known CAD and elevated hs-CRP; physician-supervised, GI side effects (diarrhoea) common, avoid in renal impairment
- Aspirin -- 81mg/day; modest anti-inflammatory effect in addition to antiplatelet activity; cardiology-supervised when bleeding risk is acceptable
- Most hs-CRP management is supplements plus lifestyle; pharmacology enters the picture only when cardiovascular risk is already elevated and conventional risk factors are co-managed
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
0 - 5 mg/L
VitalMetrics Range
0 - 8 mg/L