10/21/2025
What Is F***l Calprotectin — and Why It Matters for Gut Health
At DNP Wellness, we see many patients struggling with chronic bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea — symptoms that can come from a wide range of gut issues. But how do we know if inflammation is truly present?
That’s where F***l Calprotectin (FC) testing comes in — a simple, noninvasive stool test that helps detect inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
🔍 Why This Matters
When inflammation in the gut becomes chronic, it can damage the intestinal lining — sometimes referred to as “leaky gut.” This allows microbial products and toxins to enter the bloodstream, fueling systemic low-grade inflammation that can contribute to metabolic, autoimmune, and even age-related conditions.
A 2018 national survey found that 61% of Americans experience at least one GI symptom, yet it can be difficult to tell if inflammation is the cause. Conditions like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) share many symptoms — but their treatments differ significantly.
🧬 What Is Calprotectin?
Calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils, immune cells that migrate to the GI tract during inflammation. Once released, it helps activate other immune cells and restricts bacterial growth by binding key minerals such as zinc and iron.
When measured in stool, f***l calprotectin serves as a sensitive marker of intestinal inflammation — often more accurate than standard blood markers like CRP or ESR.
💡 How It’s Used
✔️ Distinguishes IBD from IBS – The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends f***l calprotectin to help determine whether inflammation is present.
✔️ Guides next steps – A normal FC result (< 50 µg/g) has up to a 99–100% negative predictive value, meaning IBD is very unlikely and unnecessary colonoscopies can often be avoided.
✔️ Monitors IBD activity – For those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, FC helps track disease activity and treatment response.
🌱 Takeaway from DNP Wellness
If you’ve been living with persistent GI symptoms, f***l calprotectin testing can be an excellent first step toward finding the root cause. At DNP Wellness, we focus on identifying inflammation early and restoring optimal gut health through a functional, root-cause approach.
📍 36 Franklin Turnpike, Suite 5, Waldwick, NJ
📞 551-766-1269 | 💌 info@dnpwellness.com
www.dnpwellness.com