Can nutrition affect calprotectin levels?

Yes, diet can affect calprotectin levels. Certain foods and eating patterns can trigger or help reduce inflammatory responses in the gut. This is especially relevant for people with intestinal complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome (PDS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

How does nutrition affect calprotectin levels?

Calprotectin is a protein released from white blood cells during inflammation in the gut. Nutrition can play a role in increasing or decreasing this inflammatory marker in several ways:

Foods that may increase calprotectin levels

Some foods can trigger an inflammatory response in the gut, which can lead to elevated calprotectin levels:

• Processed food: Highly processed foods, such as fast food, crisps and ready meals, often contain trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives that can promote inflammation.
• Red and processed meat: Excessive consumption of red meat and processed meats can contribute to inflammation in the gut. This is associated with an increased risk of intestinal diseases.
• Dairy products: Some people are sensitive to lactose or casein in dairy products, which can lead to intestinal inflammation and elevated calprotectin levels.
• Sugary foods: Foods high in added sugars, such as soft drinks and cakes, can unbalance the gut flora and trigger inflammatory reactions.
• Alcohol and caffeine: Excessive alcohol consumption and caffeine can irritate the intestinal mucosa and aggravate inflammation.

Foods that can lower calprotectin levels

On the other hand, there are foods that can help reduce inflammation and possibly lower calprotectin levels:

• High-fibre diet: Wholemeal products, vegetables, fruits and legumes promote healthy gut flora and can help reduce inflammation.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods such as oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseed and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fermented products: Yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut contain probiotics that can support gut health.
• Antioxidant-rich food: Vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, and fruits such as berries, contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.
• Herbs and spices: turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can have a positive effect on intestinal health.

Can nutrition be a reliable indicator of calprotectin levels?

Although nutrition plays a role in intestinal inflammation, it is not a direct and reliable indicator of calprotectin levels. Calprotectin is mainly elevated in conditions such as IBD, but temporary fluctuations due to diet or infections can also occur.

If your calprotectin levels are elevated, it is important to put the test results in context. If you have followed an unusual diet or avoided certain foods, this may affect the results. If in doubt, it is recommended to repeat the calprotectin test or contact a doctor for further diagnostics.