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C-Reactive Protein

Acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to IL-6; biomarker of systemic inflammation.

Also: CRP, hs-CRP

High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used clinically to refine cardiovascular risk in borderline patients: <1 mg/L low, 1 to 3 mg/L average, >3 mg/L high risk. Elevated CRP is also seen in acute infection, malignancy, inflammatory diseases, and after surgery. Both confounder for and indicator of nutrition status, because acute inflammation lowers visceral proteins (albumin, prealbumin) independently of intake.

How each textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 5

    High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used clinically to refine cardiovascular risk in borderline patients: <1 mg/L low, 1 to 3 mg/L average, >3 mg/L high risk. Elevated CRP is also seen in acute infection, malignancy, inflammatory diseases, and after surgery. Both confounder for and indicator of nutrition status, because acute inflammation lowers visceral proteins (albumin, prealbumin) independently of intake.

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 65: Nutrition and Inflammatory Processes

    hs-CRP <1, 1-3, and >3 mg/L correspond to low, average, and high cardiovascular risk respectively. CRP elevation also confounds many nutritional biomarkers (ferritin, retinol-binding protein, ceruloplasmin, zinc), and the BRINDA project provides correction factors for population surveys. Diet quality (Mediterranean, plant-rich, high-fiber) modestly lowers CRP.

Related terms

Acute Phase Reactants, Albumin, Ferritin, IL-6, Inflammation, TNF-alpha