Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in all tissues of the human body, but to a greater extent in the liver, bones and placenta. When at healthy levels, alkaline phosphatase protects your intestines from harmful bacteria and aids digestion. However, high levels of this enzyme in the blood usually indicate problems with the liver, kidneys or bones. Read on to learn about the causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and how to lower these levels in ways that are natural to your body.
The article is based on the findings of 42 scientific studies
The article quotes authors such as:
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- Department of Neurology, Cha Bundang Medical Center, Cha University, South Korea
- Kwangtung Catholic University St. Mary's International Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, USA
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestivas-CIBERehd, Campus de Cartuja, Spain
Please note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, 3, etc.) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific studies. You can follow these links and read the original source of information for the article.
What is alkaline phosphatase?
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in all cells of our body, but is mainly concentrated in the bones , kidneys , liver , intestines and placenta . It exists in different forms depending on where it originates. ()
When found in cells such as the liver and biliary tract, alkaline phosphatase catalyzes certain biochemical reactions in these cells. When cells are destroyed, phosphatase enters the blood, but it does not work in it. Gradually, all our cells are renewed, being destroyed in the process, so the blood constantly contains a certain level of alkaline phosphatase. But if massive cell death occurs, the amount of alkaline phosphatase in the blood increases greatly. What often happens in various diseases, for example, cholestasis, liver cancer, bone metastases or bone fractures.
For example, circulating alkaline phosphatase is known to be a reliable and independent predictor of all-cause mortality in the general human population and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
EFFECT ON ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE LEVEL - A NEW TREATMENT STRATEGY TO REDUCE BLOOD VESSEL CALCIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE OR TYPE 2 DIABETES ()
The following alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes are found in humans and other mammals:
- ALPI—intestinal
- ALPL—in liver, bones and kidneys
- ALPP—placental
Some of the main functions of alkaline phosphatase include protecting your intestinal tract from bacteria, helping with digestion, breaking down fats and some B vitamins, and promoting bone formation. () Most doctors order an alkaline phosphatase test to assess the health of a patient's bones and liver, but many promising studies are emerging that support the positive role of this enzyme in gut health.
Reasons for deviation from the norm
When receiving test results, patients often notice changes from the norm. This may occur due to bone tissue disease. An increase in phosphatase indicates rickets, osteomyelitis (softening of bones due to lack of vitamins), fractures, oncology and metastases.
An increase in alkaline phosphatase occurs due to:
- Liver diseases. Often in practice, an increase in the indicator is associated with diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Often these are hepatitis of various etiologies (viral, alcoholic), fatty liver disease, cholelithiasis, cirrhosis, fibrosis, tumors in the liver. Often an increase in phosphatase occurs after removal of the gallbladder.
- Diseases of internal organs. Alkaline phosphatase is often increased when ulcerative colitis, peritonitis, and thyroid diseases occur.
- Infectious diseases. Viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, mononucleosis. This means treatment is required.
- Increased phosphatase, not associated with female diseases. Pregnancy, childhood, alcohol abuse.
Modern medicine has about 250 types of drugs that can increase the growth of the enzyme. If phosphatase is elevated, it is necessary to obtain qualified assistance from a specialist. The doctor may recommend taking the test again after 7-10 days. If the phosphatase level is 3 or more times higher than normal, then additional examination is necessary.
Advice! To exclude pathologies, it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the internal organs.
Treatment is selected individually depending on the specific case.
Decrease in enzyme levels occurs much less frequently. But this fact may indicate a health problem. Reasons for the decline:
- Hypothyroidism. Thyroid disease.
- Lack of magnesium and zinc. Often occurs with a lack of vitamins.
- Violation of calcium levels in the body.
- Lack of ascorbic acid in the body. Often provokes the development of scurvy.
- Use of medications (danazol, azatropine).
- Frequent blood transfusions.
- Development of anemia. Decrease in hemoglobin level in the blood below 70 g/l.
- A decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels in pregnant women may indicate placental insufficiency.
- Vitamin B deficiency.
- Kwashiorkor is a sudden drop in weight caused by vitamin deficiencies.
- Achondroplasia. Diseases of the osteoarticular system, which are inherited. It is expressed in insufficient growth of tubular bones, which can lead to dwarfism. Achondroplasia is a cause of disability.
- Cretinism is a disorder of physical and mental development. May occur due to iodine deficiency or the development of hypothyroidism.
A decrease in alkaline phosphatase can be a consequence of serious and often life-threatening diseases. If the indicators deviate from the norm, urgent assistance from a medical professional is required.
Functions of alkaline phosphatase
Supports brain function
You need to maintain a healthy amount of alkaline phosphatase to keep your brain functioning at its best. Elevated levels of this enzyme are associated with inflammation of small blood vessels in the brain, while lower levels may be beneficial for the brain. (, )
One of the isoenzymes of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase helps the generation of new neurons , enhancing neurogenesis in both children and adults. Another isoenzyme, intestinal alkaline phosphatase, promotes healthy brain-gut communication by reducing inflammation and balancing microflora in the intestinal tract . ()
Maintains healthy teeth and bones
Alkaline phosphatase plays an important role in the development of bones and teeth , as this enzyme is necessary for their mineralization. During mineralization, substances such as calcium and phosphorus are deposited in bones and teeth to keep them strong. ()
Supports blood cholesterol levels
Pregnant women show higher alkaline phosphatase activity in the blood. Both triglyceride and total cholesterol rise in parallel with alkaline phosphatase levels, so cholesterol values correlate with the activity of this enzyme. ()
Features of increase in adults
There are a number of nuances that need to be taken into account when deciphering the results of an alkaline phosphatase blood test. First, in men the content of isoenzymes in the blood is always higher than in women. The difference is approximately 20-25 points. With age, the amount of alkaline phosphatase increases in everyone. This means that the concentration of this element depends on the age and gender of the person.
The most popular natural causes of high blood enzyme levels in adults are:
- Avitaminosis,
- Poor nutrition
- Excessive physical activity.
The list of possible reasons for increased levels in women is supplemented by the following “moments”:
- Pregnancy, the period before the birth of the baby,
- Breast-feeding,
- Climax,
- Taking hormonal contraceptives. With long-term use, complications in the form of diseases are possible, for example, cholestatic jaundice and intrahepatic cholestasis.
For more information about changes in phosphatase levels during pregnancy, read the article Alkaline phosphatase is elevated during pregnancy: norms, symptoms, causes.
Men over 50 years of age are at risk. They are more likely to develop Paget's disease (skeletal deformity).
Properties of intestinal alkaline phosphatase
There are several types (isoenzymes) of alkaline phosphatase, but the ALPI type found in the intestines is the most studied to date. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is produced by enterocytes (intestinal epithelial cells).
Modern animal studies have demonstrated the very important role of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, which is naturally present there. The enzyme interacts with the intestines, the food we eat, and the microbes found in our bodies.
INTESTINAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (IAP) REGULATES THE HOMEOSTASIS OF THIS ORGAN ()
Additionally, several animal and human studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of alkaline phosphatase supplementation. However, these studies have been limited and more research is likely needed.
Unlike other types of alkaline phosphatases, intestinal alkaline phosphatase is primarily associated with the intestinal mucosa, and approximately 1-2% may be present in the blood. ()
Some studies show that curcumin increases the level of intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells of this organ. ()
Protects against bacterial infection in the intestines
Many harmful gram-negative bacteria produce lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can cause either an acute episode of infection (sepsis) or chronic inflammation.
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is able to remove phosphate groups from these liposaccharides (LPS), which reduces their inflammatory effects . ()
In addition, intestinal alkaline phosphatase can also prevent bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium difficile from entering the intestinal lymph nodes. ()
In a study on human intestinal cell lines, it was found that intestinal alkaline phosphatase can control cellular resistance to LPS in harmful bacteria. It is known that the presence of LPS in the blood can stimulate inflammatory processes in the body. ()
Helps restore intestinal microflora after taking antibiotics
Supplementing intestinal alkaline phosphatase to mice that were given antibiotics to fight salmonella and clostridia helped these mice recover their gut microbiota .
Mice given an oral calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase supplement during antibiotic treatment had fewer infections and lower mortality compared to mice not given the supplement. ()
Helps restore intestinal integrity in cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis impairs intestinal barrier function and increases intestinal permeability, which can lead to intestinal damage. It also causes a decrease in intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. ()
In mice with cystic fibrosis, supplementation of intestinal alkaline phosphatase was associated with improved protection against intestinal permeability . This enzyme also reduced bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine by more than 80%. ()
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (IAP) IN THE INTESTINE PROTECTS THE BODY FROM THE PENETRATION OF WASTE PRODUCTS OF HARMFUL BACTERIA INTO THE BLOOD
Removes toxic microbial chemicals
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase removes phosphate groups from toxic microbial molecules such as leftover DNA and parts of harmful bacteria. This helps protect the body from inflammation . ()
Slows down the absorption of fats in the intestine
Mice without intestinal alkaline phosphatase absorb fat very quickly. As a result, these mice exhibit higher blood cholesterol levels ()
Reduces kidney damage from bacterial infection
In a clinical trial of people with severe bacterial infection (sepsis) that leads to acute kidney injury, administration of alkaline phosphatase through the blood helped improve overall kidney function . () This fact speaks of intestinal alkaline phosphatase as a promising substance for protecting the kidneys during sepsis.
Protects against type 2 diabetes
Mice deficient intestinal alkaline phosphatase can develop type 2 diabetes. Oral intestinal alkaline phosphatase supplementation prevents metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high-fat diet. ()
In another study, researchers examined the stool of 200 patients with diabetes and 400 people without diabetes. They found that compared to healthy controls, diabetic patients had lower levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. ()
In another study, intestinal alkaline phosphatase was good protection against type 2 diabetes even in obese patients. ()
Reduces inflammation in the intestines
Supplementation of intestinal alkaline phosphatase reduces levels of inflammatory proteins (TNF-alpha, IL-5, and IL-1beta) in infants suffering from increased intestinal cell death (necrotizing enterocolitis). However, the injection did not cure this disease, but only reduced its manifestations. ()
Alkaline phosphatase is increased or decreased in a child: causes
Alkaline phosphatase
The norms for alkaline phosphatase in children were described above. They are much higher than in adults, since the child has an active metabolism and rapid bone growth. However, if the indicators are elevated, then you should look for the reason. Most often these can be the following diseases and conditions:
- A physiological increase in alkaline phosphatase in premature infants is considered normal and is associated with active regenerative growth of the body.
- Abnormal development of the gallbladder or its inflammation, stones, obstruction of the bile ducts.
- Dyskinesia of the gallbladder.
- The presence of helminthic infestations in the body.
- Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis.
- Leukemia.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Rickets is a disease that develops in infancy due to a lack of vitamin D.
Severely low ALP levels are often a laboratory error. However, if upon repeated analysis the indicators are the same, then a diagnosis of “Hypophosphatasia” is made. This is a severe congenital pathology with low alkaline phosphatase activity.
Normal alkaline phosphatase levels
Typically, a total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) blood test is performed to detect all types of this enzyme. And it is used to diagnose bone and liver disorders.
If your total alkaline phosphatase level is elevated, your doctor may order tests to determine if the specific type of alkaline phosphatase is elevated.
The normal range for total alkaline phosphatase in the blood is 30-140 U/L , although this may vary depending on the laboratory. It should be noted that children and pregnant women may show significantly higher levels of the enzyme in their blood and have their own standard of a “normal” range. ()
When the liver does not function properly, alkaline phosphatase enters the bloodstream and its levels increase significantly. In addition, any condition that affects bone growth or causes increased bone cell activity can increase alkaline phosphatase levels in the blood. For this reason, this test is commonly used to diagnose liver/gallbladder diseases and bone disorders. ()
Higher levels of ALP can be observed in people with blood groups 1 and 3. ()
Norm
Normal values of alkaline phosphatase in the blood depend on the method of its determination (according to Bessey-Lowry, according to King-Armstrong, IFCC standard 37 ° C and others), as well as on the equipment used.
Therefore, tests are always interpreted in relation to the reference range in the laboratory where the test was performed. The medical form issued to the patient must indicate not only the obtained values, but also the norm. The units of enzyme measurement are U/L or mmkat/L in the international SI system. The relationship between them is as follows: 1 mmcat/l=60 U/l.
In adult men and women
In domestic medicine, the kinetic method of measuring alkaline phosphatase is most often used. It consists in determining the rate of decomposition of p-nitrophenyl phosphate by enzymes contained in the patient’s blood serum.
Normal values in this case are 35-123 U/l (at a reaction temperature of 37°C) for women, and 40-130 U/l for men.
During pregnancy
In pregnant women, an increase in alkaline phosphatase levels is physiological and does not require treatment unless other changes are detected. The norm according to the above method is 30-130 U/l.
An increase in enzyme concentration most often occurs from the 16th week of pregnancy, when the placenta begins to actively grow. After childbirth, the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood returns to normal.
In children
Normal enzyme values in U/L for children, depending on age and gender, are shown in the table below.
| Age, years | Girls | Boys |
| Up to 1 month of life | 75-316 | 48-406 |
| 1-12 months | 82-383 | 124-341 |
| 4-6 | 93-309 | 96-297 |
| 7-9 | 86-315 | 69-325 |
| 10-12 | 42-362 | 51-332 |
| 13-15 | 74-390 | 50-162 |
| 16-18 | 52-171 | 47-119 |
| Over 18 | 35-123 | 40-130 |
As can be seen from the table, the upper limit of the normal value of alkaline phosphatase activity during the neonatal period is 3 times higher than in adults.
Diseases for which elevated alkaline phosphatase levels are diagnosed
If it is unclear why total alkaline phosphatase levels are elevated, additional isoenzyme studies using electrophoresis can confirm the source of the increase.
Bone phosphatase (which is localized in osteoblasts and extracellular layers of newly synthesized matrix) is released into the blood by an as yet unclear mechanism.
Placental alkaline phosphatase is often elevated in seminomachi and active forms of rickets.
The list of diseases in which an elevated level of total alkaline phosphatase is detected:
- Bile duct blockage
- Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Fractures and cracks of bones
- Bone tumors
- Bone metastases
- Osteomalacia
- Osteoporosis
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Acute cholecystitis
- Myelofibrosis
- Leukemoid reaction
- Lymphoma
- Paget's disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hodgkin's lymphon
- Wilson's disease
- Myocardial infarction
- Ulcerative colitis
- Pregnancy
- Alcoholism
Reasons for the increase in indicators
Alkaline phosphatase is increased when metabolic processes in the human body are disrupted. Excessive intake of this protein enzyme occurs if the tissues of the biliary system (gallbladder and liver), pancreas and other organs are damaged.
In doubtful cases, when it is unclear why the level of phosphatase increases, the doctor may prescribe additional isoenzyme studies to identify its type (liver, bone, and others). Increased enzyme activity can also be caused by physiological reasons (listed below) and by taking the following medications:
- antibiotics of the sulfonamide group (Etazol, Sulfazin, Urosulfan and others), Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Lincomycin;
Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in the blood and can be elevated for a trivial reason - taking antibiotics - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Butadione and its analogues);
- antiarrhythmic drugs (Novocainamide);
- oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone.
Pathologies of the liver and biliary tract
The level of hepatic phosphatase isomer increases in the following diseases:
- stagnation of bile in the liver or gall bladder due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, tuberculosis, obstruction of the bile ducts due to cholelithiasis, adhesions, compressive tumors; for acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
- alcoholic liver disease, which causes toxic tissue damage;
- malignant tumors in the liver or other localization that metastasize to this organ;
- drug-induced liver damage due to long-term use or overdose of NSAIDs, Tetracycline and other drugs.
The concentration of the enzyme increases especially strongly during obstructive jaundice and drug intoxication. The reason for this is the activation of phosphatase production in liver tissue under the influence of bile acids.
Serum tests can be interpreted as follows:
- the enzyme concentration is increased 10 times or more - cholelithiasis (blockage of the bile ducts outside the liver tissue);
- the level does not exceed a 2-3-fold increase - intrahepatic blockage of the bile ducts in hepatitis and other liver pathologies.
Bone damage
Alkaline phosphatase is actively involved in the process of formation of the skeletal system. It promotes mineralization (formation of crystalline structures) of bones and teeth, thereby ensuring their necessary strength and hardness.
An increase in its indicators is associated with an increase in the number of young, “immature” bone tissue cells and is observed in the following pathologies:
- osteomalacia - a violation of the process of bone mineralization with a lack or deterioration of vitamin D metabolism, hereditary metabolic disorders (hypophosphatasia syndrome), with osteoporosis, with a deficiency of microelements in the body due to their increased excretion in kidney diseases or reduced absorption in intestinal diseases;
- tumors in bone tissue or metastases;
- sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease in which the pathological formation of granulomas (nodules) occurs in various tissues and organs;
- Paget's disease (presumably hereditary), in which the process of bone formation worsens;
- lymphogranulomatosis, or Hodgkin's disease, is a malignant pathology of lymphoid tissue;
- fractures at the stage of their healing;
- osteoarthritis – damage to the cartilage tissue of the joints;
- tuberculosis of bones.
Other diseases
Alkaline phosphatase may be elevated in some other diseases:
- hyperparathyroidism, or excess production of hormones in the parathyroid glands;
- kidney cancer;
- infectious mononucleosis (in the first week of illness);
- celiac disease – congenital intolerance to the protein of cereals;
- blood cancer;
- leukemoid reactions - a pathological increase in the total number of leukocytes in polycythemia, essential thrombocythemia and other blood diseases;
- damage to the lymphatic system;
- hyperthyroidism – increased activity of the thyroid gland;
- myocardial, lung or kidney infarction;
- gastrointestinal pathologies - ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal infections, malignant tumors.
This symptom is also observed in patients whose diet lacks calcium and phosphates, as well as with an overdose of vitamin C.
Other Causes of Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels
While alkaline phosphatase may not necessarily cause harm to the body itself, elevated levels of this enzyme have been linked to cancer , bone , liver , and kidney . () Additionally, lifestyle factors, medications, and some supplements can increase alkaline phosphatase levels.
Birth control pills
Birth control pills can raise alkaline phosphatase levels many times above the normal range. (8)
Exercise stress
Exercise increases bone alkaline phosphatase levels after thirty and fifty minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise in male cyclists, but these values quickly return to normal. ()
Thyroid hormones
Thyroid hormones stimulate alkaline phosphatase. (, ) Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase also correlate with the severity of hyperthyroidism . ()
Colon cancer
Alkaline phosphatase levels are often high in patients with metastatic colon cancer . Elevated alkaline phosphatase values correlate with increasing cancer stage and may indicate that the cancer has spread to the liver. ()
Mammary cancer
Women with breast cancer had elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase compared to healthy women. An increase in enzyme activity also indicates that metastases have occurred and have spread to either the bone or the liver. (, )
Alzheimer's disease
Patients with Alzheimer's disease have higher levels of alkaline phosphatase compared to healthy patients. The higher the alkaline phosphatase activity, the lower the brain function in these people. ()
LIST OF BASIC ANALYSIS WHEN ASSESSING LIVER HEALTH:
AST , ALT , ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE , GGT (Gamma-glutamyltransferase)
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is usually accompanied by an increase in the level of total alkaline phosphatase in the blood. However, this is not the best indicator for identifying a deficiency of this vitamin. ()
Heart diseases
Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase are associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease .
In a prospective study of more than 3,000 older men, higher alkaline phosphatase levels predicted a greater risk of heart attacks, strokes, and increased mortality. ()
Liver problems associated with celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the intestines when gluten . In cases of uncontrolled celiac disease, when patients continue to consume gluten in food, other liver and biliary tract diseases may occur. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase are associated with these two disorders. ()
Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is associated with high levels of alkaline phosphatase. Higher levels of alkaline phosphatase correlate with worsening bone and other tissue health in patients with sickle cell disease. (, )
In patients with sickle cell disease, higher levels of alkaline phosphatase are associated with vaso-occlusive crises. ()
Epilepsy
Children with epilepsy show higher levels of alkaline phosphatase compared to children without the condition. ()
Why is the enzyme phosphatase studied?
Testing for phosphatase will be prescribed in order to identify at an early stage the development of pathology in the liver, as well as diseases of the skeletal system.
Also, an increase in the alkaline phosphatase index occurs when there are disturbances in the functioning of the gallbladder, when the bile ducts are blocked, as well as stones that are located in the bladder and ducts.
Alkaline phosphatase activity also increases with malignant neoplasms in the organs of the endocrine system in the pancreas.
Testing for gamma-glutamyl transferase together with a test for alkaline phosphatase is carried out during diagnostic testing of diseases that provoke pathologies in the process of excretion of bile into the body - biliary cirrhosis (primary form), as well as primary sclerosing cholangitis.
A biochemical analysis of the ALP coefficient is carried out to identify pathologies in bone cells, because any changes in the bones increase the activity of alkaline phosphatase.
At this moment, it is possible to identify malignant neoplasms and help ensure that this focus of oncology does not go beyond the bone.
Biochemistry testing is repeated to monitor the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the development of pathology, as well as to adjust medical therapeutic or surgical treatment.
How to reduce alkaline phosphatase levels?
Manage your condition that causes elevated alkaline phosphatase levels
Elevated alkaline phosphatase is usually a symptom of some disease. Therefore, to reduce your alkaline phosphatase levels, you need to treat the underlying condition. For example, if your doctor determines that your high titers of this enzyme are caused by liver disease, he will prescribe you a medicine to treat your liver. High alkaline phosphatase levels will normalize on their own after liver disease reduces in severity or is treated.
Find out if your medications cause an increase in alkaline phosphatase
Some medications have the side effect of increasing phosphatase levels. If you experience a side effect like this, your doctor will likely ask you to stop taking one or more of these drugs for a certain amount of time (for example, a week) and then ask you to take a new blood test. If your alkaline phosphatase levels do not decrease, you may need to stop taking another medication for a week to determine if there is a drug cause for the enzyme increase.
Medicines that can cause high alkaline phosphatase levels (3):
- Birth control pills and hormonal drugs
- Antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Various steroids and drugs
Help your liver work
If your alkaline phosphatase levels are high because you have been diagnosed with liver damage due to disease, then look into additional options to support liver health. Your liver has the ability to regenerate, so taking a variety of protective herbs and nutrients, adapting your diet, and reducing your alcohol intake will help.
Additional substances to protect the liver:
- Milk thistle
- NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine, approximately 300 mg per day according to studies)
- Taurine(500 mg)
- Vitamin C(500 mg)
- B vitamins (low doses)
- Lipoic acid
Vegetables such as broccoli (), onions (), dandelion greens, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts () also have a cleansing and regenerating effect on the liver.
WHAT WORSES THE WORK AND HEALTH OF YOUR LIVER
Eliminate foods high in zinc from your diet
Zinc is a structural element of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase . This means that eliminating foods high in zinc from your diet will automatically reduce the amount in your body (). Check food labels if you are unsure how much zinc they contain.
Foods that contain large amounts of zinc:
- Mutton
- Beef
- Pumpkin seeds
- Oysters
- Spinach
Eat foods high in copper
Copper is important in regulating the levels of various enzymes in our body, and it has been shown to help reduce high levels of alkaline phosphatase. ()
Level up
The main reasons for the increase in the concentration of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can be divided into 4 groups that have relatively similar origins. These include diseases of the liver, bone structures, factors of other origins and non-pathological conditions.
Liver and gastrointestinal diseases
The group includes disorders or changes in the functioning of the hepatobiliary system and other gastrointestinal organs caused by various factors, such as:
Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder
- obstructive jaundice, which was caused by obstruction of the biliary tract, postoperative adhesions or stones that blocked the lumen of the ducts;
- tumor processes of the stomach, pancreas or liver with the formation of metastatic foci;
- hepatitis of all types and cirrhosis of the liver;
- obstructive pancreatitis, cholestasis;
- Infectious mononucleosis;
- fatty degeneration of the liver.
Diseases accompanied by bone tissue damage
The list includes:
- osteomalacia – softening of bones caused by calcium deficiency;
- bone cancer, bone metastases, myeloma;
- acromegaly is a pathology of the anterior pituitary gland, manifested by increased production of growth hormone - somatotropin;
- Paget's disease - a disorder of bone structure due to their pathological growth;
- fractures, rickets - abnormal bone development in children due to vitamin D deficiency.
After a bone fracture, there is a significant increase in the isoenzyme in the blood. This is due to the active fusion of bone fragments and wound healing. Metabolism is responsible for such processes, so many indicators of its components will be increased. Such changes are considered normal. Ultra-high values of alkaline phosphatase most likely indicate the development of oncological processes in the skeletal system.
But such a result will require additional research methods to clarify the degree of development of the disease and the location of the primary focus.
Several reasons for increased ALP in the blood
Reasons of other origin
A noticeable increase in ALP levels may be due to myocardial infarction, adrenal hyperfunction, intestinal disease such as ulcerative colitis, and its possible dangerous consequence - perforation (perforation). There is also an increase in this isoenzyme in hyperparathyroidism, a hormonal disorder in which calcium is washed out of bone structures.
Conditions that are not pathological
This group includes conditions caused by a number of non-pathogenic factors. These include adolescence, pregnancy and youth of the body (healthy women under 20 years of age and men under 30). Also, similar conditions occur when taking hormonal contraceptives, antibacterial drugs and other medications from a list containing more than 250 items.
Attention! If the blood has been cooled after being taken for analysis, then there is a high probability that the ALP level will exceed normal levels.
It is imperative to note that an increase in alkaline phosphatase is not an absolute sign of dysfunction of a particular organ. In some cases, it can be exceeded even in completely healthy people, for example, after a heavy meal or excessive physical exertion. In such cases, high levels of alkaline phosphatase are detected to confirm or establish the presence of the disease, it will be necessary to conduct additional diagnostics and study the obtained materials in a comprehensive manner.
Determination of alkaline phosphatase in dogs: normal
Determination of alkaline phosphatase in dogs
If the condition of your four-legged friend worsens, lethargy appears, hair falls out, or loss of voice occurs, then the veterinarian may prescribe a biochemical blood test to obtain a picture of the existing disease.
Determination of alkaline phosphatase in dogs is performed in special veterinary laboratories. The rate of this enzyme ranges from 24 to 124 U/l. The dog may also have abnormalities in the levels of this enzyme. What conditions and pathologies does this indicate, read below.
Increased performance in 1 year
In infancy, infants may experience increased concentrations of alkaline phosphatase. This is especially true for premature babies, in whom the growth process occurs at an accelerated pace . This is a kind of compensatory reaction of the body.
Expert opinion
Kovaleva Elena Anatolyevna
Doctor-Laboratory Assistant. 14 years of experience in clinical diagnostic services.
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In addition, even a healthy child grows much faster during sleep during the first years of life. At the same time, the production of enzymes necessary for the formation of a strong skeleton is activated.
If there are other signs of pathology, then the reason will not be physiological characteristics. The baby may have liver problems or be bothered by parasites, then the help of a specialist cannot be avoided.
How to reduce alkaline phosphatase with folk remedies?
Immortelle for the treatment of elevated alkaline phosphatase
From the above, it is clear that in order to reduce ALP levels, it is necessary to identify and treat the underlying disease. After all, elevated alkaline phosphatase is a separate symptom, and not an independent disease. With adequate treatment, the indicators will return to normal within 1-3 months, depending on the severity of the pathology.
You can help the body by using natural decoctions and infusions. Here's how to reduce alkaline phosphatase with folk remedies:
- If you have liver diseases, you can drink liver infusions. They are sold in pharmacies. Milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion help well.
- For pathologies of the biliary tract, a decoction of immortelle, St. John's wort, and chamomile will help.
- For kidney diseases - lovage, thyme, chicory, lemon balm, strawberry leaves.
- With brittle bones, especially in old age, jurutka, fir and Jerusalem artichoke will help. Moreover, it is Jerusalem artichoke that uses the entire plant: root, leaves and flowers.
Remember: Medicinal herbs are not used as monotherapy. Infusions and decoctions can only be an addition to the main treatment prescribed by a doctor. In addition, before taking traditional medicine, you should consult a doctor.
Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT: causes
Indicators of alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT
Liver tests AST and ALT are prescribed to identify pathologies in the digestive organs. If we interpret the results of ALP and these indicators, we can say about the presence of various diseases in the body. Here are the reasons for elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT:
- Poor outflow of bile due to obesity, low physical activity, malignant neoplasms, liver cirrhosis, and so on.
- Diabetes.
- Increased triglyceride levels.
- Taking ethyl alcohol, drugs, strong medications.
- Viral hepatitis.
- Fatty hepatosis.
- Autoimmune hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
Liver tests are an excellent diagnosis of bile stagnation and changes in the liver as a result of one or another negative factor. But to make an accurate diagnosis, you will need additional examination and consultation with a doctor.
