Cystatin C

Advanced wellness

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What it isCystatin C is a small protein produced by virtually every nucleated cell at a stable rate, independent of muscle mass. It is freely filtered by the kidneys and then degraded.

DoesProvides a cleaner readout of kidney filtration than creatinine because muscle mass doesn't distort it.

GoodLow cystatin C signals strong kidney filtration and predicts longevity.

BadElevated cystatin C detects early kidney decline that creatinine misses, and independently predicts cardiovascular events and mortality.

Standard

0.61–1.21 mg/L.

Optimal

0.6–0.85 mg/L (lower is good)

Modifiers

Rises with inflammation and high-dose steroids; less affected by muscle mass than creatinine.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Manage blood pressure and blood sugar; avoid chronic NSAIDs; Zone 2 cardio; weight loss.
Diet: Moderate protein; plenty of vegetables; lower sodium.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), CoQ10 (100–200mg/day).
Peptides: —
Drugs: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, finerenone.

within Kidney