TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)
What This Test Measures
Pro-inflammatory cytokine
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
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
TNF-alpha drives chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases (RA, IBD, psoriasis). Elevated TNF-alpha (>8) = systemic inflammation. Biologics (anti-TNF drugs) target this. Functional optimal <5. Lowered naturally by omega-3s, curcumin, weight loss.
When This Test Is High
Autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, infections
When This Test Is Low
Low inflammation
Related Conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, psoriasis, metabolic disease
Recommended Follow-Up
If elevated, assess for autoimmune disease; anti-inflammatory diet, omega-3s
Related Tests in Inflammation / Immune
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) / hs-CRP
Inflammatory marker; predictor of cardiovascular disease
hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
Sensitive inflammatory marker; cardiovascular risk predictor
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Non-specific inflammation marker