Before we jump ahead, let’s understand what C-reactive protein (CRP) is and how CRP levels help determine if your inflammatory response is working properly.

CRP is a biological marker in our blood (ie through a blood test) that can be measured to help us get a snapshot of inflammation in the body. CRP, especially high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), is a useful way to measure the general inflammatory state in the body that affects our joints, heart, brain, and whole-body health.

Of course, inflammation and response pathways are a normal part of our human physiology, but finding a healthy balance is critical. Healthy levels of CRP (a protein produced by the liver) are associated with a balanced inflammatory response and condition, as well as stable immune function to protect our bodies.

Keeping inflammatory pathways under control, rather than “burning” out of control, is key to overall health. And since 25(OH)D levels (i.e., blood biomarkers indicating vitamin D sufficiency) have been observed to influence CRP status, ongoing research examining exactly how vitamin D plays a role in regulating a healthy inflammatory response is important to understanding about how an essential vitamin helps support cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and immune health.*