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Calprotectin

Analysis of feces for calprotectin

Why is it needed?

Calprotectin is a proteinthat is released by white blood cells (neutrophils) during inflammation in the intestines. Its level in the stool helps distinguish functional disorders (such as IBS) from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD):
✔ Crohn‘s disease.
✔ Ulcerative colitis.
✔ Intestinal infections.
Diverticulitis, intestinal tumors.

What does calprotectin do in the body?

  • Inflammatory marker: increases when immune cells in the intestinal mucosa are activated.
  • Protective function: binds zinc and calcium, limiting bacterial growth.
  • It does not depend on diet or medication (except for NSAIDs, which may increase its level).

Symptoms with increased calprotectin

An excess indicates active inflammation in the intestines:

  • Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
  • Abdominal pain, cramps.
  • Blood or mucus in the stool.
  • Weight loss, weakness.

Reasons for the increase:

  • IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
  • Intestinal infections (salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis).
  • Celiac disease in the active phase.
  • Taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin).

Is there a calprotectin deficiency?

No, a low level is the norm.

  • If calprotectin is normal, but there are symptoms – probably a functional disorder (IBS).

Calprotectin norms in feces

Level (mcg/g)Interpretation
<50Normal (no inflammation)
50–120Moderate elevation (requires monitoring)
>120High inflammation (suspected IBD)

Notes:

  • In children under 4 years of age, the norm is higher (up to 150 mcg/g).
  • At the level of 50-120 mcg/g , the analysis is repeated after 1-2 months.

What to do with increased calprotectin?

  1. Consultation with a gastroenterologist.
  2. Additional surveys:
  • Colonoscopy with biopsy.
  • Analysis for infections (fecal culture, PCR).
  1. Treatment of the underlying disease:
  • In IBD – anti-inflammatory drugs (mesalazine, biological therapy).
  • In case of infection – antibiotics.

When is the test scheduled?

  • Suspected IBD (with chronic diarrhea, pain).
  • Monitoring treatment for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Differential diagnosis of IBS and IBD.

Conclusion

Calprotectin is a reliable marker of intestinal inflammation.
, The norm: < 50 mcg / g** (for children under 4 years – up to * * 150 mcg/g**). 🔹 **The increase (>120 mcg/g) requires an in-depth examination.
A low level rules out serious inflammation (most likely IBS).

Example: If the result is 200 mcg / g, a colonoscopy is needed to check for Crohn’s disease.