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High & Low C4A Levels (Complement C4A) & Mold Illness

Written by Joe Cohen, BS | Last updated:
C4A

Information is sparse on C4A, but I’ve tried to gather what there is. C4A is often elevated in chronic inflammation.

What is C4A?

C4A is part of a “complement” group. The term complement means it is able to kill bacteria and contributes to immune defenses. However, if there are too many compliments, it can cause tissue damage and trigger an allergic reaction.

C4A is an activation protein, which means it also activates the other complement proteins to increase in level [1].

The C3a, C4a, and C5a components are referred to as anaphylatoxins, causing smooth muscle contraction, histamine release from mast cells, and enhanced vessel permeability [23].

They also mediate inflammation and the generation of free radicals [3].

C4a activates Neutrophils, which increases inflammation and free radicals [4].

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C4A Test

You can request that your doctor test your C4A. Conventional doctors will look at high or low C4A levels and not mention anything. Sometimes, a lab result may be in the reference range, but not actually be in the optimal range. Reference ranges are not the same as optimal ranges. This is why C4A even in the ‘normal’ range can be unhealthy and indicate that certain processes in the body aren’t optimal.

What Increases C4A?

There are three general pathways by which the body increases C4a: The Alternative Pathway, The Lectin Pathway, and The Classical Pathway.

These pathways are activated by infections, which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.  Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and CRP can also increase C4a (they can be high in infections). The body often detects infections by the toxins that they give off, so toxins may also increase C4a.

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Conditions With Elevated C4A

C4A appears to be an immune marker (has increased levels) in the following disorders:

  • Lyme Disease [5, 6]
  • CFS [7]
  • Psoriasis [8]
  • Eczema [9]
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome [10]
  • Lupus [11] and higher C3a [6]…According to one study, lower C4a contributes to lupus [12].
  • AIDS [6]
  • Schizophrenia [13]
  • Acute pancreatitis [14]

1) Mold Illness

It’s been observed that C4A levels can be increased in people with Lyme disease [5].

C4A levels may be decreased with mold avoidance (anecdotal) and antibiotic treatments [6].

2) Lyme Disease

Some researchers are looking at C3A and C4A levels to diagnose Lyme disease [6].

One must realize, however, that C3A and C4A and general markers, and will never be able to diagnose Lyme disease specifically (see images above).

3) CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

One study found that C4a goes up after exercise in people with CFS [15].

A case study found that a CFS patient felt better after their C4a normalized [7].

4) Histamine Intolerance

Many people who believe they have histamine intolerance have high C4a because this activates mast cells.

About the Author

Joe Cohen, BS

Joe Cohen, BS

Joe Cohen flipped the script on conventional and alternative medicine…and it worked. Growing up, he suffered from inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and other issues that were poorly understood in traditional healthcare. Frustrated by the lack of good information and tools, Joe decided to embark on a learning journey to decode his DNA and track his biomarkers in search of better health. Through this personalized approach, he discovered his genetic weaknesses and was able to optimize his health 10X better than he ever thought was possible. Based on his own health success, he went on to found SelfDecode, the world’s first direct-to-consumer DNA analyzer & precision health tool that utilizes AI-driven polygenic risk scoring to produce accurate insights and health recommendations. Today, SelfDecode has helped over 100,000 people understand how to get healthier using their DNA and labs.
Joe is a thriving entrepreneur, with a mission of empowering people to take advantage of the precision health revolution and uncover insights from their DNA and biomarkers so that we can all feel great all of the time.

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