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Inflammation

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

IL-6 provides insight into immune system activity and chronic inflammation. Proactive monitoring supports early detection of inflammatory conditions.

Doctor's Assessment Included

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of IL-6 cytokine in your blood. Elevated levels may indicate active inflammation, infection, or immune system activation.

Why It Matters

IL-6 is a key mediator of inflammation and immune response. Chronic elevation may be associated with autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic conditions. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended when evaluating chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, or unexplained systemic inflammation.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Low IL-6 levels are normal and indicate a well-regulated immune system. No symptoms are associated with low levels.

High Levels

Elevated IL-6 may be associated with fever, fatigue, chronic pain, autoimmune flares, and increased susceptibility to infections. Persistent elevation warrants investigation.

Lifestyle Tips

Regular moderate exercise, anti-inflammatory foods, quality sleep, and stress management may help regulate IL-6 levels. Avoid overtraining, which can chronically elevate IL-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does exercise increase IL-6?
During exercise, muscles produce IL-6, which has anti-inflammatory effects in this context. This acute rise is different from chronic elevation due to disease.
Is IL-6 always harmful?
No, IL-6 plays important roles in immune defence and recovery. It is chronic elevation that may be associated with health risks.
Can IL-6 predict disease risk?
Elevated IL-6 may be associated with increased risk of certain conditions, but it should be interpreted alongside other markers by your healthcare provider.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)

€228,-