Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Cystatin C: A Critical Biomarker for Kidney Function
Discover the role of Cystatin C in your health and longevity with Mito Health's detailed biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.

Written by
Mito Team

What is Cystatin C?
Cystatin C is a small protein found throughout our entire body and is also filtered out through the kidneys. It is not affected by diet or muscle mass but can be affected in obesity, low thyroid hormones and when certain medications are used.Measuring kidney function with both creatinine and cystatin C thus provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function.
What does it assess?
Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells in the body, and it is involved in the regulation of enzymes that break down proteins.It is primarily used as a marker to assess kidney function, as it is filtered by the kidneys and is less affected by factors like muscle mass or hydration status compared to creatinine.Cystatin C levels are commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and provide a more accurate picture of kidney health, particularly in individuals with abnormal muscle mass or other conditions that may skew creatinine levels.
How do I optimize my Cystatin C levels?
Proper hydration is essential for optimal kidney function. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps kidneys filter waste, including cystatin C, more efficiently.Avoid dehydration, as it can artificially elevate cystatin C levels and stress the kidneys. Chronic hypertension can lead to kidney damage over time, contributing to elevated cystatin C levels.By managing blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, and stress management, you can protect kidney function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce kidney strain.Reducing your intake of processed foods, excess salt, and high-protein diets can also help protect kidney health and prevent cystatin C from rising.
What do high and low Cystatin C levels mean?
Elevated cystatin C levels typically indicate a decline in kidney function, as the kidneys are less efficient at filtering the protein out of the bloodstream.High levels can be seen in conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or other forms of kidney dysfunction.Low cystatin C levels are not typically a cause for concern and are relatively uncommon.
Related MitoHealth Reads
https://mitohealth.com/improve/how-to-improve-your-cystatin-c-naturally
https://mitohealth.com/blog/cystatin-c-supercharging-your-kidney-health-and-longevity
Cystatin C: A Critical Biomarker for Kidney Function
Discover the role of Cystatin C in your health and longevity with Mito Health's detailed biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.

Written by
Mito Team

What is Cystatin C?
Cystatin C is a small protein found throughout our entire body and is also filtered out through the kidneys. It is not affected by diet or muscle mass but can be affected in obesity, low thyroid hormones and when certain medications are used.Measuring kidney function with both creatinine and cystatin C thus provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function.
What does it assess?
Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells in the body, and it is involved in the regulation of enzymes that break down proteins.It is primarily used as a marker to assess kidney function, as it is filtered by the kidneys and is less affected by factors like muscle mass or hydration status compared to creatinine.Cystatin C levels are commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and provide a more accurate picture of kidney health, particularly in individuals with abnormal muscle mass or other conditions that may skew creatinine levels.
How do I optimize my Cystatin C levels?
Proper hydration is essential for optimal kidney function. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps kidneys filter waste, including cystatin C, more efficiently.Avoid dehydration, as it can artificially elevate cystatin C levels and stress the kidneys. Chronic hypertension can lead to kidney damage over time, contributing to elevated cystatin C levels.By managing blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, and stress management, you can protect kidney function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce kidney strain.Reducing your intake of processed foods, excess salt, and high-protein diets can also help protect kidney health and prevent cystatin C from rising.
What do high and low Cystatin C levels mean?
Elevated cystatin C levels typically indicate a decline in kidney function, as the kidneys are less efficient at filtering the protein out of the bloodstream.High levels can be seen in conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or other forms of kidney dysfunction.Low cystatin C levels are not typically a cause for concern and are relatively uncommon.
Related MitoHealth Reads
https://mitohealth.com/improve/how-to-improve-your-cystatin-c-naturally
https://mitohealth.com/blog/cystatin-c-supercharging-your-kidney-health-and-longevity
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Cystatin C: A Critical Biomarker for Kidney Function
Discover the role of Cystatin C in your health and longevity with Mito Health's detailed biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.

Written by
Mito Team

What is Cystatin C?
Cystatin C is a small protein found throughout our entire body and is also filtered out through the kidneys. It is not affected by diet or muscle mass but can be affected in obesity, low thyroid hormones and when certain medications are used.Measuring kidney function with both creatinine and cystatin C thus provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function.
What does it assess?
Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells in the body, and it is involved in the regulation of enzymes that break down proteins.It is primarily used as a marker to assess kidney function, as it is filtered by the kidneys and is less affected by factors like muscle mass or hydration status compared to creatinine.Cystatin C levels are commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and provide a more accurate picture of kidney health, particularly in individuals with abnormal muscle mass or other conditions that may skew creatinine levels.
How do I optimize my Cystatin C levels?
Proper hydration is essential for optimal kidney function. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps kidneys filter waste, including cystatin C, more efficiently.Avoid dehydration, as it can artificially elevate cystatin C levels and stress the kidneys. Chronic hypertension can lead to kidney damage over time, contributing to elevated cystatin C levels.By managing blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, and stress management, you can protect kidney function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce kidney strain.Reducing your intake of processed foods, excess salt, and high-protein diets can also help protect kidney health and prevent cystatin C from rising.
What do high and low Cystatin C levels mean?
Elevated cystatin C levels typically indicate a decline in kidney function, as the kidneys are less efficient at filtering the protein out of the bloodstream.High levels can be seen in conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or other forms of kidney dysfunction.Low cystatin C levels are not typically a cause for concern and are relatively uncommon.
Related MitoHealth Reads
https://mitohealth.com/improve/how-to-improve-your-cystatin-c-naturally
https://mitohealth.com/blog/cystatin-c-supercharging-your-kidney-health-and-longevity
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Cystatin C: A Critical Biomarker for Kidney Function
Discover the role of Cystatin C in your health and longevity with Mito Health's detailed biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.

Written by
Mito Team

What is Cystatin C?
Cystatin C is a small protein found throughout our entire body and is also filtered out through the kidneys. It is not affected by diet or muscle mass but can be affected in obesity, low thyroid hormones and when certain medications are used.Measuring kidney function with both creatinine and cystatin C thus provides a more accurate estimate of kidney function.
What does it assess?
Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells in the body, and it is involved in the regulation of enzymes that break down proteins.It is primarily used as a marker to assess kidney function, as it is filtered by the kidneys and is less affected by factors like muscle mass or hydration status compared to creatinine.Cystatin C levels are commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and provide a more accurate picture of kidney health, particularly in individuals with abnormal muscle mass or other conditions that may skew creatinine levels.
How do I optimize my Cystatin C levels?
Proper hydration is essential for optimal kidney function. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps kidneys filter waste, including cystatin C, more efficiently.Avoid dehydration, as it can artificially elevate cystatin C levels and stress the kidneys. Chronic hypertension can lead to kidney damage over time, contributing to elevated cystatin C levels.By managing blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, and stress management, you can protect kidney function. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce kidney strain.Reducing your intake of processed foods, excess salt, and high-protein diets can also help protect kidney health and prevent cystatin C from rising.
What do high and low Cystatin C levels mean?
Elevated cystatin C levels typically indicate a decline in kidney function, as the kidneys are less efficient at filtering the protein out of the bloodstream.High levels can be seen in conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or other forms of kidney dysfunction.Low cystatin C levels are not typically a cause for concern and are relatively uncommon.
Related MitoHealth Reads
https://mitohealth.com/improve/how-to-improve-your-cystatin-c-naturally
https://mitohealth.com/blog/cystatin-c-supercharging-your-kidney-health-and-longevity
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Complete with exercise, nutrition, and supplement recommendations

1:1 Clinician consult
Receive expert guidance on how to manage and reduce your health risks

Upload past labs for lifetime tracking
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Customize your plan with optional advanced blood tests and scans
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$798
popular
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Trusted by thousands of members
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
What's included

Comprehensive Lab Test (Core)
100+ biomarkers - Test at 2,000+ lab locations nationwide

Clinician reviewed insights & Action Plan
Complete with exercise, nutrition, and supplement recommendations

1:1 Clinician consult
Receive expert guidance on how to manage and reduce your health risks

Upload past labs for lifetime tracking
All your medical records in one secure dashboard

Biological age
Understand your biological age and track your pace of aging

Access to advanced diagnostics
Customize your plan with optional advanced blood tests and scans
Premium care made accessible.
HSA/FSA eligible
One-time payment
No hidden fees or subscription traps
Buy more & save:
Individual
$50 off (Save 13%)
$349
$399
Duo Bundle (For 2)
$334 per person
$668
$798
popular
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Trusted by thousands of members
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
What's included

Comprehensive Lab Test (Core)
100+ biomarkers - Test at 2,000+ lab locations nationwide

Clinician reviewed insights & Action Plan
Complete with exercise, nutrition, and supplement recommendations

1:1 Clinician consult
Receive expert guidance on how to manage and reduce your health risks

Upload past labs for lifetime tracking
All your medical records in one secure dashboard

Biological age
Understand your biological age and track your pace of aging

Access to advanced diagnostics
Customize your plan with optional advanced blood tests and scans
Premium care made accessible.
HSA/FSA eligible
One-time payment
No hidden fees or subscription traps
Buy more & save:
Individual
$50 off (Save 13%)
$349
$399
Duo Bundle (For 2)
$334 per person
$668
$798
popular
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Trusted by thousands of members