Helvy
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Inflammation
In the UK, the standard clinical (NHS) reference range for hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) is Below 3.0 mg/L, with Below 1.0 mg/L considered the performance-optimised range. A result within these ranges suggests typical status; only a qualified clinician can interpret an individual reading.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is a marker of systemic inflammation produced by the liver. Unlike standard CRP tests used to detect acute infections, hs-CRP measures low-grade chronic inflammation — the kind linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and accelerated ageing. It is one of the most validated predictive biomarkers in preventive medicine.
Optimal range · UK
Below 1.0 mg/L
Performance-optimised band · clinical (NHS) range Below 3.0 mg/L
Clinical (NHS)
Below 3.0 mg/L
Performance
Below 1.0 mg/L
Reference ranges for hs-CRP, not a personal result. Any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Optimal ranges
| Range | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | Below 3.0 mg/L |
| Performance-optimised range | Below 1.0 mg/L |
The clinical range defines what is considered medically “normal” — broad enough to cover 95% of the population. The performance range reflects where research and clinical experience suggest most people feel and function at their best. A result in either range suggests typical status and is not a diagnosis; any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why it matters
Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognised as the underlying driver of most lifestyle diseases. For men focused on performance, elevated hs-CRP signals that the body is in a sustained stress response — impairing recovery, promoting fat storage, and increasing cardiovascular risk. Training hard while chronically inflamed compounds the problem. Identifying and addressing the source of inflammation — whether dietary, sleep-related, or metabolic — unlocks a level of recovery and energy that training alone cannot achieve.
Symptoms
Low / Deficiency
High / Excess
Dietary sources
Supplementation
Omega-3 fish oil (2-4g EPA+DHA daily) is the most evidence-based anti-inflammatory supplement. Curcumin (500 mg with piperine, 2x daily) has strong clinical evidence for reducing hs-CRP. Addressing root causes is critical: reduce ultra-processed food, improve sleep quality, manage psychological stress, and ensure healthy body composition. Retest at 90 days to track the trajectory.
Testing
hs-CRP is measured from a blood sample. With Helvy, that means a finger-prick kit taken at home and posted to a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory, with results in around 5 days, reviewed by a qualified clinician. Your result is reported against both the clinical range (Below 3.0 mg/L) and the performance-optimal range (Below 1.0 mg/L), so you can see not just whether you are “normal” but whether you are optimal. If you make a change, retest after 8-12 weeks to confirm it worked.
Research
C-reactive protein, inflammation, and coronary risk
Ridker PM
Cardiology Clinics (2003)
DOI: 10.1016/S0733-8651(03)00071-8Related biomarkers
Related guides
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your data suggests areas for optimisation, but any concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If your results flag values outside safe ranges, we recommend consulting your GP.
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