GI Effects Inflammation Score Test

The Inflammation Score reflects how “irritated” or activated your gut immune system appears to be. It combines markers like calprotectin (a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation), eosinophil protein X (EPX, linked to allergic or eosinophilic inflammation), and secretory IgA (an antibody that coats the gut lining and responds to foods and microbes). Together, they provide a snapshot of how inflamed or stressed the gut lining and immune system are.

Why it matters

Your gut is the largest immune organ in the body. When the gut lining is inflamed, the barrier can become “leaky,” allowing more immune activation and, in some cases, systemic inflammation that affects joints, skin, brain, and metabolic health. Elevated inflammatory markers can be seen in conditions like infections, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), medication-related irritation (such as NSAIDs or sometimes PPIs), food reactions, and significant dysbiosis (microbiome imbalance).

What a higher score suggests

A higher Inflammation Score indicates more evidence of active irritation or immune activation in the gut. This doesn’t by itself diagnose a specific disease, but it does flag that the gut lining needs attention. Next steps may include looking for infections or overgrowths, assessing for inflammatory bowel disease if appropriate, reviewing medications, and adjusting diet (for example, eliminating triggers, improving fiber and polyphenol intake). Targeted therapies often focus on calming inflammation, supporting the gut barrier, and correcting underlying drivers rather than just suppressing symptoms.