What are the consequences of too high or too low ALAT levels?
A normal ALAT value is usually between 7 and 56 U/L. Abnormal ALAT values may indicate liver damage or inflammation and require further investigation.
ALAT (Alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Measuring the ALAT value in your blood can provide important information about the health of your liver. In this blog, we will discuss what a normal ALAT value is, the consequences of an ALAT value that is too high or too low, and what steps you can take to address abnormalities.
What is a normal ALAT value?
The normal ALAT value varies depending on gender and age, but is usually between 7 and 56 U/L (units per liter) for adults. A value within this range indicates that your liver is functioning normally. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, reference values applicable to you are always reported in person.
What does an ALAT value that is too high mean?
An excessively high ALAT level may indicate liver damage or inflammation. This can have several causes, including viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, medication use and fatty liver. The consequences of an excessively high ALAT value may include:
- Fatigue: Liver problems can lead to general fatigue and weakness.
- Jaundice: An accumulation of bilirubin in the body can lead to a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.
- Abdominal pain: particularly in the upper right abdomen, where the liver is located.
- Dark urine and pale stools: This may indicate problems with the bile ducts, often related to liver problems.
- Nausea and vomiting: Liver diseases can affect digestion and cause nausea.
What does an ALAT value that is too low mean?
Although a low ALAT value is rarely a problem, it can sometimes indicate a deficiency in vitamin B6, which is required for ALAT production. However, it is less common for a low ALAT value to indicate a serious health problem.
What can you do in case of abnormal ALAT values?
If your ALAT value falls outside the normal range, it is important to find out the underlying cause. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can have several additional tests performed to gain more insight into your liver health, such as:
- Liver function tests: this includes measurements of other liver enzymes such as ASAT, ALP and bilirubin to get a complete picture of your liver health.
- Viral hepatitis testing: To check for infections such as hepatitis B and C that can cause liver inflammation.
- Ultrasound or MRI of the liver: To assess structural abnormalities in the liver.
- Blood tests for vitamin and mineral levels: To check for deficiencies that may affect liver health.
In brief
It is important to keep your ALAT level balanced for good liver health. Regular monitoring through a blood test can help detect abnormalities early and address them. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms that may indicate liver problems.
At Bloedwaardentest.nl, we offer comprehensive blood tests, including tests to measure ALAT and other important liver enzymes.
