Alkaline phosphatase (abbreviated as ALP) is an enzyme, a type of protein, that is mainly found in the liver, bones and bile ducts. The ALP level in your blood provides information about how well your liver and bile ducts are functioning. A normal ALP level usually indicates that your liver and bile ducts are healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A high ALP level may indicate a problem with your liver, bile ducts or bones. For example, it may indicate a blockage of the bile ducts, inflammation of the liver or bone problems. A low ALP level is less common but may sometimes indicate a deficiency of certain nutrients or a rare condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your ALP level is abnormal, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), itching, abdominal pain or bone pain. However, sometimes there are no symptoms at all and an abnormal level is discovered by chance during a blood test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An elevated ALP level can be caused by liver disease, bile duct problems, bone disease, pregnancy or growth in children. A low level can be caused by a zinc or magnesium deficiency or certain inherited conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conditions that can cause an abnormal ALP level include bile duct obstruction, hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), bone diseases such as Paget’s disease, bone fractures, certain types of cancer and rare metabolic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may be advisable to have your ALP tested if you have symptoms that could indicate liver, bile duct or bone problems. This test is also often performed as part of a general blood test, for example in cases of unexplained fatigue or when monitoring a known condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ALP is measured using a finger-prick blood test. The result is compared with the normal reference values for your age and sex. If your level is abnormal, your doctor can discuss what this may mean and whether further investigation is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If a liver or bile duct problem is responsible, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment. If a nutrient deficiency is the cause, dietary changes or supplements may help. Sometimes no treatment is necessary, for example when the level is temporarily elevated due to growth in children or pregnancy. It is important to always discuss the most appropriate approach with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If your symptoms persist or you are concerned, always contact your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"biomarker_category":[584],"biomarker_material":[],"class_list":["post-11018467","biomarker","type-biomarker","status-publish","hentry","biomarker_category-liver-function"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n