Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is present in all tissues of the human body, it is particularly found in the liver, bones, and bile ducts. When ALP levels are elevated, it can be an indication of liver and bone diseases. This article will cover the causes of elevated Alkaline Phosphatase, its symptoms, and how to lower ALP levels.
Normal ALP Levels
The normal range of ALP is considered to be around 30-130 IU/L, although this number can differ between laboratories. It is important to understand that Alkaline Phosphatase levels can fluctuate with age, and levels are typically higher in children, due to bone growth and development of the body. Considering this, many other aspects of life can affect ALP levels, such as pregnancy, smoking, or simply eating a fatty meal before getting a blood test.
Elevated levels of ALP may not always be due to a medical condition that is in need of treatment, however, it is essential that you consult with a doctor regarding any symptoms, as they will consider all factors.
Causes of elevated Alkaline Phosphatase
There can be several causes of elevated Alkaline Phosphatase levels, including:
- Liver Diseases: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, or primary biliary cholangitis
- Bone Diseases: Osteoporosis, Paget’s Disease, or Bone Cancer
- Intestinal Diseases: Celiac Disease, or Crohn’s disease.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hyperthyroidism, or Hypothyroidism
- Certain Medications: Birth control pills, antibiotics, or cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Symptoms of high Alkaline Phosphatase
There are no specific symptoms of elevated ALP levels, however, they can indicate an underlying condition, if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Because high Alkaline Phosphatase levels can originate from a variety of locations, understanding the different symptoms is crucial, symptoms of liver disease include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
Additionally, these are potential symptoms of bone disorders:
- Bone pain
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Bone fractures, or broken bones
Can you have low levels of ALP?
Although lower levels of ALP are less common to encounter, it can still be a sign of the following issues: a lack of zinc, malnutrition, thyroid disease, and a rarer genetic disease that affects the bones and teeth, called Wilson disease.
Ways to lower Alkaline Phosphatase
Treatment of elevated ALP levels depends on the underlying condition that is causing them. If the cause is liver disease, treating liver disease can help in lowering ALP levels. Similarly, if the cause is bone disease, then treatment can lead to levels being lowered. Hormonal imbalances causing high levels of Alkaline Phosphatase can be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Prevention
In general, adhering to a healthy lifestyle is the best way to optimize your health to avoid any potential issues with ALP. Vitamin D deficiency, particularly common in the UK, can potentially cause elevated ALP levels, try to keep an active lifestyle and exercise outdoors to maximize exposure to Vitamin D, or take the recommended daily supplements if needed. Furthermore, a healthy diet that avoids consuming large amounts of saturated fat can help in preventing raised levels of ALP, as cholesterol can aid in forming gallstones, which affects the chance of developing liver disease.Alkaline Phosphate in Liver Function Tests
Our Kidney and Liver function blood test includes markers for ALP, as it is often associated with the liver, this will measure the levels of Alkaline Phosphate in your body to check for any abnormalities.
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