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.
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.
There can be several causes of elevated Alkaline Phosphatase levels, including:
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:
Additionally, these are potential symptoms of bone disorders:
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.
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.
This wellbeing screen is a panel of multiple tests to give an indication of overall wellbeing. Monitoring can help indicate the body's response to changes such as the initiation of a new fitness regime or weight loss or gain plan.
£90.00
This includes sample collection at our clinic, Results available the same working day or up to 24 hours, Includes 12 key Biomarkers
£220.00
The advanced anaemia screen includes tests for haemoglobin levels and a full blood count. The results of these tests can show whether you have any signs of general health problems, as well as giving an indication of your overall blood health.
£95.00