IL-5

Interleukin 5

What's

IL-5

Interleukin 5, often abbreviated as IL-5, is a special type of protein produced by your body's immune system. It acts like a messenger, sending signals between your body's cells. IL-5 has a very important job - it's primarily responsible for stimulating the production and activation of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. These eosinophils play a key role in your body's defense against certain infections, particularly those caused by parasites. In addition, IL-5 also helps in regulating the immune response in your body. IL-5 is like a team leader, guiding and directing your immune cells to ensure your body is well-protected and ready to fight off invaders.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of Interleukin 5 (IL-5) in your body could indicate that your immune system is working overtime to combat an infection or inflammation. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a bacterial or viral infection, or an inflammatory condition like asthma or allergies. High IL-5 levels could also be a sign of an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. This includes conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Certain medications, like immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, can also affect IL-5 levels. So, if your IL-5 levels are high, it could mean your body is responding to an infection, dealing with inflammation, or reacting to a medication. It could also suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Interleukin 5 (IL-5) could include fatigue, fever, body aches, and in some cases, symptoms related to the specific condition causing the elevated levels, such as joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis or breathing difficulties in asthma.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of Interleukin 5, or IL-5, could suggest that your body is not currently dealing with any major infections, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases, as this substance typically increases when your immune system is actively fighting off such conditions. However, unusually low levels might also indicate an issue with your immune system's ability to respond effectively to threats. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, can also lower IL-5 levels. Additionally, specific health conditions like hypereosinophilic syndrome, a disorder that affects eosinophils, could potentially result in lower IL-5 levels. It's important to remember that IL-5 is just one piece of the puzzle and other factors need to be considered to understand the overall picture of your health.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Interleukin 5 may not be easily noticeable, as IL-5 primarily functions within the immune system. However, if low IL-5 levels are due to an underlying condition, symptoms would likely be related to that specific condition.

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.

See References

Test for

Interleukin 5

CytoDX by Diagnostic Solutions

Serum

The CytoDx assesses systemic immune status and offers insight into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance, allowing for advanced health assessment and individualized treatment plans.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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