Summary

ALT is a type of enzyme, which helps chemical reactions happen in your body. ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, and it is mainly found in your liver cells. ALT helps your liver break down proteins and convert them into energy for your body.

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Overview

ALT, short for Alanine Aminotransferase, is a significant indicator of liver health and can help identify the root cause of liver complications. When the liver cells undergo damage or inflammation, they release ALT into the bloodstream. Elevated ALT levels could suggest a liver injury or a variety of liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or even liver cancer.^[1]

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What should you know about this biomarker?

It is important to check your ALT levels over time, as it can help you and your doctor assess how well your liver is functioning. 

ALT test can be useful in distinguishing acute and chronic liver problems. However, the amount of ALT in your blood isn’t related to the extent of liver damage. 

There are many resources and ways that describe the optimal levels. However, each laboratory uses different machines and protocols, so the results might differ in the reference ranges or used units of measurement. 

In Macromo blood tests, we use units: μkat/l (microkatal per liter), but you may also find values in U/l (units per liter) on the internet.

Normal levels are less than 0.83 μkat/l (microkatal per liter) for men and less than 0.58 μkat/l for women, but it may vary depending on your age, gender, and laboratory. Certain factors can also affect your levels (alcohol consumption, medications, supplements, obesity, or muscle injury).^[2,3]

There are multiple possible states of your blood test result:

• If your ALT levels are lower, it is a good sign, and there's no known danger associated with low ALT. However, if you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue or weakness, contact your healthcare provider for further advice.
• If your ALT levels are within the reference range it is a sign of healthy liver function. 

• If your ALT levels are elevated, that potentially suggests your liver might be stressed or damaged. However, it's important to consult your healthcare provider for further investigation and a tailored health plan.

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Genetics

Genetics can have a certain impact on ALT levels. Several studies have investigated the connection between genetics and liver enzymes (ALT, GGT, or ALP). 

A study focused on people of European descent found that a genetic risk score for elevated levels of liver enzymes is associated with a higher fat percentage in the body, trunk, and liver, as well as with an elevated body mass index (BMI).^[4] 

Another study investigated the association between the MBOAT7 gene and plasma ALT levels among kids. The findings suggest that MBOAT7 gene polymorphism is related to an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease later in adulthood.^[5]

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Recommendations

If your ALT is outside the normal range, you may need to take some steps to address it and protect your liver health. Some of the steps you can take are^[3]:

• If the elevation is mild and the person is asymptomatic, the doctor might recommend rechecking the ALT levels after a period of time.
• Maintain a balanced diet that is low in fat, sugar, and salt, and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. 
• Several studies have previously mentioned the protective effect of coffee on the liver.^[6,7,8]
• Increase your physical activity. Exercise can help you lose weight, improve your metabolism, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your liver.
• Take the medication prescribed by your doctor, which can treat or prevent liver infections, inflammation, or autoimmune diseases.
• Manage your stress levels, as stress can worsen your liver function.
• Quit smoking if you are a smoker, as it can damage your liver cells and increase your risk of liver cancer and other problems.

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The information and tests provided on our website are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making health decisions. Our tests do not diagnose or treat diseases. Individual results may vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.