Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Reference Guide
  /  
IL-6
Sign up free to test for 
IL-6
.
One login for 30+ lab companies.

Interleukin 6

Hey Practitioners! Ready to become a world class gut health expert? Join Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, for a Free Live Class that dives into how popular diets impact the gut microbiome, the clinical dietary needs of your gut, biomarkers to test to analyze gut health, and gain a clear understanding of the Doctor’s Data GI360™ profile. Register here.

What's 
IL-6
?
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a versatile protein created by different cells in your body, such as immune cells, fat cells, and muscle cells. It plays a crucial role in your body's defense system, helping to combat infections and diseases. IL-6 is also involved in inflammation, a process where your body safeguards itself from harm or sickness. Moreover, it participates in regulating metabolic activities and the nervous system. In short, IL-6 is like a multi-talented team member, contributing to various vital functions to maintain your body's health and balance.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated IL-6 levels might mean that your body is dealing with increased inflammation or an infection. This can be caused by various factors such as stress, not getting enough sleep, an unhealthy diet, or not exercising enough. Some medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also contribute to higher IL-6 levels. Additionally, high IL-6 levels could be linked to metabolic issues like insulin resistance or obesity. Keep in mind that IL-6 is a versatile protein, and its levels can change due to many different internal and external factors.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of IL-6 may not be specific and can include fatigue, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever. In some cases, there might not be any noticeable symptoms at all.
If Your Levels are Low
Low IL-6 levels might mean that your body's defense system isn't as strong as it should be, making it harder to fight off infections and illnesses. This could also point to problems with how your body uses energy and controls important processes. Additionally, having low IL-6 levels could mean that your body isn't responding as well as it should when it needs to protect itself from harm or sickness. Some reasons for low IL-6 levels could be certain medications, like corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or not getting enough exercise. It's also possible that low IL-6 levels could be linked to conditions that affect your immune system or how your body processes energy, like metabolic disorders.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of IL-6 may not be easily noticeable, as they can be quite general and overlap with other conditions. However, they could include frequent infections, slow wound healing, and unexplained fatigue.

Test for

Interleukin 6

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.