What is CRP used for in nutrition assessment?

• A. CRP is used to evaluate hydration status
• B. CRP is an inflammation biomarker linked to cardiovascular risk; diet can influence inflammatory status
• C. CRP measures muscle mass
• D. CRP is a measure of vitamin status

Answer: (B)

CRP is a marker of inflammation produced by the liver in response to inflammatory stimuli. In nutrition assessment, it helps distinguish whether changes in protein markers like albumin reflect true malnutrition or are driven by inflammation, since inflammation can alter protein synthesis and distribution. Diet can influence inflammatory status, and chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to cardiovascular risk, so CRP can also reflect how dietary patterns affect cardiovascular health. This makes CRP a useful tool for interpreting nutritional status within the context of inflammation and related risk. It is not used to evaluate hydration status, measure muscle mass, or assess vitamin status.