Inflammation / Immune
Complement C3
Unit: mg/dLID: I007
What This Test Measures
Immune system protein; activates inflammation
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
90-180 mg/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
100-160 mg/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Low C3 = autoimmune disease (lupus, vasculitis) consuming complement. High C3 = acute inflammation. Should be mid-range (100-160). Gabriel checks C3/C4 in suspected autoimmune cases.
When This Test Is High
Inflammation, infection
When This Test Is Low
Autoimmune disease (consumption), liver disease
Related Conditions
Autoimmune disease, infections
Recommended Follow-Up
If low, check C4, CH50; consider lupus, vasculitis; if high, assess for inflammation
Related Tests in Inflammation / Immune
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) / hs-CRP
Inflammatory marker; predictor of cardiovascular disease
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hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
Sensitive inflammatory marker; cardiovascular risk predictor
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ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Non-specific inflammation marker
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