What is Neutrophil Percentage?
Neutrophil percentage reflects the balance of neutrophils relative to other white blood cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream. When the body detects infection, inflammation, or tissue damage, neutrophils are among the first immune cells to respond.
A normal neutrophil percentage generally indicates a balanced immune response, while shifts in this value can signal that the immune system is responding to infection, inflammation, or physiological stress.
Why Does Neutrophil Percentage Matter
Neutrophil percentage helps physicians:
- Differentiate between bacterial and viral infections
- Detect when the immune system is actively responding to infection or inflammation
- Evaluate systemic inflammation and physiologic stress
Book your test now
Test 50+ biomarkers & meet with a longevity physician, uncover the root cause of symptoms
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician reviewed
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
How to Interpret Neutrophil Percentage
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk. They don’t necessarily reflect optimal immune balance and inflammatory control.
What Healthy Neutrophil Percentage Supports
- A more resilient immune system
- Lower levels of chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease1
Know your numbers. Own your health.
50+ biomarkers that reflect how your body is functioning — and where there’s room to optimize. Plus a clinical consult and personalized treatment plan. All for $65.
Low Neutrophil (%)
Low neutrophil percentage can occur when neutrophils decrease or when other white blood cells increase. It is commonly associated with viral infections, autoimmune conditions, bone marrow disorders, certain medications, or nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms are caused by the underlying infection, not the marker.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Slow healing
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
Causes:
- Viral infections
- Autoimmune conditions
- Bone marrow disorders
- Certain medications
- Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin B12, folate, copper)
- Chemotherapy and radiation
Healthspan Impacts:
- Increased vulnerability to bacterial and fungal infections
- Impaired ability to clear pathogens before they spread
- Greater risk of complications from illness due to disrupted immune balance
High Neutrophil (%)
High neutrophil percentage usually occurs when the body is responding to infection, inflammation, physical stress, or injury. Symptoms are caused by the underlying condition.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Redness
- Sores that don’t heal
- Pain and swelling at the site of infection
Causes:
- Bacterial infections and inflammation
- Physical injury or trauma
- Chronic stress
- Smoking
- Vigorous exercise
- Vasculitis
- Metabolic dysfunction
Healthspan Impacts:
- Associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Linked to higher all-cause mortality, particularly when neutrophil percentage remains elevated over time2
- Associated with a greater risk of atherosclerosis and stroke3
- Linked to poorer outcomes in chronic disease
How Hone Treats an Out of Range Neutrophil Percentage
Your Hone physician will evaluate neutrophil percentage alongside your absolute neutrophil count (ANC), other markers in your complete blood count (CBC), your symptoms, and your overall health to determine the root cause affecting your immune balance and what treatment is most beneficial.
- Antibiotics or antifungals* — to treat active infections driving elevated neutrophil percentage
- Corticosteroids* — to manage autoimmune conditions affecting white blood cell distribution
- Treatment of underlying cause* — medications that address autoimmune disorders, bone marrow issues, or autoimmune disorders
Note: *Your Hone Physician does not prescribe these treatments but will recommend further evaluation and help coordinate care with your primary care provider when medical treatment is indicated.
- Prioritize quality sleep (around 7–8 hours a night) to support healthy immune function
- Correct potential deficiencies such as vitamin B12 or folate
- Participate in regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or high-intensity interval training (HIIT)7
- Consume a low-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean-style diet
- Find outlets to manage stress
- Quit or avoid smoking
Luo, J., et al. (2023). Neutrophil counts and cardiovascular disease. European Heart Journal.
↑Xie, R., et al (2024). Higher Circulating Neutrophil Counts Is Associated with Increased Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease. Biomedicines.
↑Wang, K. C., et al. (2025). Association between neutrophil count and the risk of cardiovascular disease: A community-based cohort study in Taiwan. PLOS One.
↑Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients.
↑Cheng, J., Rink, L., & Wessels, I. (2024). Zinc Supplementation Reduces the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps by Decreasing the Expression of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4. Molecular nutrition & food research.
↑SAITO, S., et al. (2022). Creatine supplementation enhances immunological function of neutrophils by increasing cellular adenosine triphosphate. Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health.
↑Bartlett, D. B., et al. (2021). The Effects of 16 Weeks of Exercise Training on Neutrophil Functions in Breast Cancer Survivors. Frontiers in Immunology.
↑
Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
