Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Routine annual

also —

What it isAn autoantibody, usually IgM class, that targets the Fc portion of IgG antibodies.

DoesActs as a traditional rheumatoid arthritis marker; also rises in some chronic infections.

GoodA negative RF makes rheumatoid arthritis less likely but doesn't rule it out (seronegative RA exists).

BadPositive RF supports rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis but isn't specific — chronic hepatitis C, Sjögren's, and other conditions also trigger it.

Standard

<14 IU/mL.

Optimal

0–14 IU/mL (lower is good)

Modifiers

Can be positive in healthy older adults; anti-CCP is more specific for RA.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Diet: Mediterranean pattern; identify food sensitivities.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), curcumin (500mg 2×/day), vitamin D3.
Peptides: BPC-157, thymosin alpha-1.
Drugs: Methotrexate, biologics (TNF inhibitors, JAK inhibitors) for confirmed RA.

within Autoimmune