What does it mean if the fecal calprotectin test result is high?

Fecal calprotectin is a calcium-binding protein released by inflammatory cells in the intestinal mucosa. Because it is resistant to bacterial degradation in the gut, it can accurately reflect the degree of intestinal inflammation. Elevated fecal calprotectin levels may be caused by changes in gut microbiota, dietary factors, bacterial dysentery, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and other conditions. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Changes in Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota participates in calcium absorption and utilization through metabolic activity. Enhanced microbial activity may promote the synthesis and release of calprotectin, leading to increased fecal calprotectin levels. It is recommended to maintain healthy eating habits, increase dietary fiber intake, and moderately supplement with prebiotics and probiotics.

2. Dietary Influence

Calprotectin is a calcium-binding protein primarily derived from gastrointestinal epithelial cells. When large amounts of calcium-rich foods are consumed, gastrointestinal epithelial cells may secrete more calprotectin to aid calcium absorption and metabolism, resulting in elevated fecal calprotectin levels. It is advisable to adjust the diet and reduce intake of high-calcium foods such as dairy products and soy-based products.

3. Bacterial Dysentery

Bacterial dysentery is an intestinal infectious disease caused by Shigella infection. Following infection, immune cells in the intestine release inflammatory mediators and calprotectin to defend against pathogen invasion. Symptoms may include high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea (with mucus and blood in stool), and tenesmus. It is recommended to use medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or norfloxacin capsules under medical guidance to control the condition.

4. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis results from the interaction of environmental, genetic, and immune factors. Under inflammatory stimulation, neutrophils in the intestine release calprotectin, causing elevated test values. This condition may lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, mucus and bloody stools, and cramping pain in the lower right abdomen. Treatment typically involves following a doctor’s instructions to use medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, methylprednisolone tablets, mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, or sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets.

5. Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is generally caused by immune-mediated inflammation. During active phases, neutrophils in the intestine release calprotectin, leading to increased test values. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal masses. It is recommended to manage the condition with medications such as azathioprine tablets, mercaptopurine tablets, or infliximab for injection under medical supervision.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, improving dietary habits, ensuring regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), and enhancing physical health can help reduce the risk of disease.