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Understanding Fatigue and Your CFB Gene Result

Fatigue is a common and often persistent feeling of extreme tiredness or low energy that affects physical, mental, and emotional well being. Multiple factors contribute to fatigue, including sleep, stress, nutrition, activity, and underlying medical conditions. Genetics can also play a role. One gene connected to immune activity and inflammation is CFB. PlexusDx provides these educational results to explain how your CFB genotype may relate to fatigue risk and practical steps you can take to support energy and resilience.

What CFB Does and Why It Matters

The CFB gene helps produce a protein that is part of the complement system, a component of the immune system involved in fighting infections and clearing damaged cells. When complement activity is altered, immune signaling and inflammation can shift. Chronic, low grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a factor in persistent fatigue for some people. A single genetic variant, rs4151667, has different alleles that may influence complement function and therefore, in some cases, fatigue risk.

2 effect alleles (AA) — Higher risk of chronic fatigue

If your genotype is AA at rs4151667, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This pattern has been associated with a higher risk of chronic fatigue through potential changes in complement system function. Carrying two A alleles may influence how the immune system responds to infections and how efficiently damaged cells are cleared. These differences can contribute to immune system imbalances and persistent low level inflammation, which are factors that may promote chronic fatigue.

Important note: This genotype suggests a predisposition. It does not guarantee you will develop chronic fatigue. Lifestyle, environment, infections, sleep, stress, and other genes all interact to shape your actual experience.

1 effect allele (AT) — Likely higher risk of chronic fatigue

If your genotype is AT at rs4151667, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk of chronic fatigue compared to the non effect form. Having a single A allele may subtly alter complement activity and immune signaling, which can influence inflammation levels and susceptibility to prolonged tiredness for some people.

Again, this is a risk indicator rather than a diagnosis. How your body functions is shaped by many factors beyond this single variant.

0 effect alleles (TT) — Typical risk related to CFB

If your genotype is TT at rs4151667, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This pattern is associated with a typical genetic predisposition to fatigue through the CFB pathway. In other words, this specific variant is unlikely to contribute to immune system dysregulation or inflammation that would raise your risk for chronic fatigue via this mechanism.

Having TT does not rule out fatigue from other causes. Sleep, nutrition, mental health, hormonal issues, and other medical conditions may still affect your energy.

Practical Steps to Support Energy and Reduce Fatigue

Whether your CFB result shows increased risk or typical risk, these strategies can help support healthy energy levels, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality.

Nutrition and Hydration

  • Eat a balanced, whole foods diet focusing on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Prioritize anti inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, colorful vegetables, berries, walnuts, and olive oil.
  • Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and excessive refined carbohydrates that can worsen energy crashes and inflammation.
  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration can reduce energy and cognitive performance. Aim for regular fluid intake throughout the day.
  • Consider regular meals and snacks that include protein and fiber to keep blood sugar steady and avoid energy dips.

Supplements to Consider After Consulting Your Healthcare Provider

  • B Vitamin complex. B vitamins support cellular energy production and nervous system function. A B complex with B12 and folate can be helpful if levels are low.
  • Vitamin D. Low vitamin D is common and can relate to fatigue. Test levels before supplementing and correct insufficiency to target ranges recommended by your provider.
  • Magnesium. Important for energy metabolism, sleep quality, and muscle function. Magnesium glycinate or citrate are commonly used forms.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA from fish oil support balanced immune function and may help reduce chronic low level inflammation.
  • Iron only if testing shows deficiency. Iron deficiency is a common reversible cause of fatigue. Do not supplement iron without blood testing and medical guidance.
  • Probiotics. Gut health influences inflammation and immune signaling. A targeted probiotic may be useful if digestive symptoms or microbiome imbalance are present.

Sleep, Activity, and Stress Management

  • Prioritize regular, restorative sleep. Aim for consistent bed and wake times and 7 to 9 hours per night for most adults.
  • Practice sleep hygiene: limit screens before bed, create a dark and cool sleep environment, and avoid heavy meals or caffeine late in the day.
  • Engage in regular moderate exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Gentle activity often improves energy. Avoid sudden intense training if you are experiencing severe fatigue; work up slowly.
  • Incorporate stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce the physiological burden of stress.
  • Maintain social connections and prioritize activities that bring meaning and enjoyment. Emotional support and purposeful engagement can improve perceived energy and resilience.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

If fatigue is persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily life, seek evaluation from your healthcare provider. Important tests to discuss may include blood counts, iron studies, thyroid function tests, vitamin D, B12, and metabolic panels. Your provider can help rule out medical causes such as anemia, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, autoimmune conditions, or other issues that require treatment.

How to Use This Genetic Information

Your PlexusDx genetic result for rs4151667 in CFB is one piece of information about potential risk for fatigue related to immune and inflammatory pathways. If your genotype indicates increased risk, you can use this knowledge to focus on lifestyle and testing strategies that reduce inflammation and support energy. If your genotype shows typical risk, continue general prevention and health maintenance to preserve vitality as you age.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you understand genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices. Always discuss genetic results, symptoms, and any plans to start supplements or make significant lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor.