HOME/BIOMARKERS/IL-6
inflammation · pg/mL

Interleukin-6

Pro-inflammatory cytokine. Chronically elevated in obesity and aging.

DIRECTION
↓ lower is better
NORMAL RANGE
<5 pg/mL
MECHANISMS
3

What
moves it.

These biological pathways influence Interleukin-6. Click any to see what affects it.

supported
Nrf2
Nrf2 Activation

Nrf2 is the master regulator of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, HO-1).

supported
NF-κB
NF-κB Inhibition

NF-κB is a master inflammatory switch. Inhibiting it reduces chronic inflammation.

supported
Immunity
Immune Modulation

Regulating immune response — not just boosting, but balancing.

What
affects it.

amino-acid
L-Glutamine

Primary fuel for intestinal cells. Supports gut barrier integrity.

supported$
amino-acid
N-Acetylcysteine

Glutathione precursor. Antioxidant and mucolytic.

established$
polyphenol
EGCG (Green Tea Catechin)

Main catechin in green tea. Inhibits COMT, amplifies thermogenesis with caffeine.

established$
mineral
Zinc

Essential for testosterone synthesis. Supplementation helps only if deficient.

established$
vitamin
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Hormone-like vitamin. VDR receptors present in Leydig cells. Supplementation matters mainly in deficiency.

established$
antioxidant
Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Universal antioxidant. R-ALA is the biologically active form.

supported$$
mushroom
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Adaptogenic mushroom. Studied for immune function and stress.

supported$$
mushroom
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

High in melanin and antioxidants. Studied for immune support.

emerging$$
adaptogen
Schisandra Chinensis

Adaptogen studied for liver protection and stress resilience.

supported$$
fatty-acid
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

EPA and DHA. Anti-inflammatory. Supports brain and cardiovascular health.

established$$
vitamin
Vitamin C

Required for collagen synthesis. Regenerates vitamin E.

established$
mineral
Selenium

Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase. Antioxidant defense.

established$
antioxidant
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone / Ubiquinol)

Electron carrier in mitochondrial ATP production. Ubiquinol is the reduced, active form.

supported$$
polyphenol
Curcumin

Anti-inflammatory polyphenol. Poor bioavailability unless enhanced with piperine or phospholipids.

supported$$
polyphenol
Resveratrol

Studied for longevity pathways. Human data is mixed.

emerging$$$
polyphenol
Sulforaphane

Potent Nrf2 activator. Requires myrosinase for conversion.

supported$$
botanical
Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)

Increases bioavailability of curcumin and other compounds by inhibiting glucuronidation.

established$
antioxidant
Astaxanthin

Carotenoid antioxidant. Studied for skin, eyes, and exercise recovery.

supported$$