Liver
Alkaline Phosphatase
What This Marker Tells Us
An enzyme found primarily in liver and bone, revealing liver function, bile duct health, and bone turnover.
Why It Matters
Indicates liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or increased bone turnover from bone diseases or healing fractures. It helps distinguish liver problems from bone disorders when combined with other markers. ALP rises in growing children and adolescents, pregnant women, and people with bone metastases. Low ALP may indicate malnutrition, zinc deficiency, or rare genetic conditions. Proper interpretation requires age and context.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Low ALP (below 30 U/L) may suggest zinc deficiency, malnutrition, or hypothyroidism. Typical ALP (30-130 U/L in adults) indicates normal liver, bile duct, and bone metabolism. Elevated ALP (131-200 U/L) suggests mild liver stress, bile duct issues, or increased bone turnover. High ALP (above 200 U/L) signals significant liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disease, or metastatic cancer requiring investigation.
What Influences This Marker
Liver disease and bile duct obstruction raise ALP through impaired bile flow. Bone fractures, bone cancers, Paget's disease, and growth increase bone ALP. Pregnancy and adolescence naturally elevate ALP. Vitamin D deficiency, zinc deficiency, and malnutrition lower ALP. Liver health, bone health, and adequate nutrition maintain optimal levels.
How Your Team Uses It
Your team uses ALP with other liver enzymes to assess liver and bile duct health. Isolated ALP elevation prompts investigation of bone disorders versus liver issues. It monitors bone health during optimization protocols and tracks healing from stress fractures in athletes.
Related Signals We Also Review
GGT, ALT, AST, bilirubin, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and bone-specific markers complete the ALP interpretation and liver/bone health assessment.