What does alanine aminotransferase test mean? “AlAt” indicator in a blood test: norm and deviations

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a special substance involved in amino acid metabolism. It is usually found in organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys.

The penetration of this enzyme into the bloodstream is evidence of the presence of a pathological process. What this means and what ailments it is associated with will be discussed later in the article.

In most cases, alanine aminotransferase is elevated in diseases affecting the liver. However, the possibility of pathology of other vital organs cannot be ruled out.

The concentration of ALT in the blood is an important diagnostic indicator that determines the location and severity of the pathology.

Basic functions of ALT

This enzyme is important for health. Thanks to it, metabolic processes are carried out, which helps strengthen the immune system, provide the body with the necessary energy reserves, and also produce lymphocytes.

All processes occur inside cells with a small release of the enzyme into the bloodstream.

Due to the destructive process occurring in the cells of the liver and other organs affected by the disease, ALT enters the blood in large quantities. Its presence, exceeding acceptable values, becomes an important indicator for the diagnosis of certain diseases.

The presence of alanine aminotransferase is characteristic of such organs as:

• the liver, where its concentration is highest;
• heart muscle;
• lungs;
• kidneys;
• pancreas.

This becomes a prerequisite for a thorough examination of these particular organs when high ALT levels are detected in a biochemical blood test.

Indications for analysis

An increase in ALT levels in a blood test signals not only pathology in the listed organs. It also indicates the possibility of other diseases.

This is why blood biochemistry is assessed. The analysis reveals deviations, becomes an integral part of preventive measures, and an effective way to diagnose serious diseases of the liver, myocardium and pancreas.

Carrying out this study becomes mandatory when monitoring pathological changes in the liver that occur as a result of taking medications, hepatitis and poisoning with toxic substances.

A biochemical blood test is prescribed if the following symptoms occur:

• intense pain in the right hypochondrium;
• yellowness of the skin and eye sclera;
• lightening of stool and dark urine;
• lack of appetite;
• general weakness.

Other symptoms

In addition to the manifestations listed above, indicating a high level of ALT in the blood, there are symptoms that appear depending on the damage to a particular organ:

1. Liver. The ailments are accompanied by painful manifestations under the right ribs, changes in skin color and yellowness of the eyes. Viral hepatitis occurs against a background of elevated body temperature. Cirrhosis is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and so-called spider veins appear on the skin.
2. Heart. The main symptom of myocardial infarction is intense pain in the chest area, radiating to the subscapular area, left arm and jaw. The heart rhythm is disturbed, shortness of breath occurs, and blood pressure drops. There is general weakness and chills.
3. Pancreas. Nausea, repeated vomiting, sharp or aching pain in the stomach, bloating, weakness.

If an oncological process occurs, in addition to these signs, sudden weight loss and loss of strength are observed.

Diagnostics

Detection of high levels of enzymes in combination with the listed manifestations makes it possible to quickly diagnose diseases, which significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.

For testing, blood from a vein is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The reliability of the results depends on the preliminary preparation of the patient by following simple rules:

• last meal no later than 8 hours before collection of biomaterial;
• eliminating alcohol and quitting smoking;
• limiting physical activity.

If you use medications, you should inform your doctor.

Only if these requirements are met will the tests be accurate, which will make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis.

Analysis transcript

It should be noted that when interpreting the results, the values ​​of an enzyme such as AST are also taken into account. According to the Ritis coefficient scale, which considers the ratio of these enzymes, indicators up to 1.65 conventional units are taken as the norm.

Exceeding these values ​​by 2 times indicates pathological changes in the heart muscle. Indicators below 1.0 indicate liver damage.

However, with hepatitis of viral origin, a decrease in these values ​​is observed, and liver damage due to alcohol poisoning provokes a significant increase in them.

A comprehensive examination of a patient with a high level of enzymes involves the use of MRI, X-ray CT, a general analysis of urine and blood, and a number of other measures.

ALT norms

In adults and children, there is a significant difference in indicators that are considered within normal limits. The table shows that the permissible concentration of this substance depends not only on age, but also on gender:

The indicated values ​​are approximate, but small fluctuations up or down are allowed - from 1 to 3 units.

Factors influencing performance

The reasons for increased ALT are quite varied. But most often they indicate liver pathology and are a kind of marker of its condition. In addition, high values ​​are found even with minor diseases of other organs, when they are accompanied by cell destruction.

Among them:

1. Types of hepatitis. At the same time, the chronic and viral forms do not cause a significant deviation of ALT from the norm.
2. Mechanical jaundice. High rates are also observed extremely rarely.
3. Cirrhosis. Characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms for a long time.
4. Fatty liver disease - steatosis. This condition is characterized by a slight increase in blood levels. However, if the pathology develops into steatohepatitis, alanine aminotransferase increases significantly, and the level of direct and total bilirubin also increases.
5. Malignant neoplasms in the liver. They often result from hepatitis. Biochemical analysis to determine ALT indicators allows not only to diagnose the disease, but also to draw a conclusion about the need for surgical intervention. ALT values ​​increase significantly after chemotherapy.
6. Pancreatitis. With an exacerbation of the inflammatory process in the pancreas, ALT increases. Indicators can increase 3-6 times.
7. Myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle). In addition to an increase in enzyme levels, shortness of breath becomes a striking symptom.
8. Myocardial infarction. Pathology is indicated by a 5-fold increase in ALT values. An increase of 10-12 times indicates progression of deterioration.
9. Alcoholism. There is an increased concentration of ALT, which increases after drinking alcohol.
10. Muscular dystrophy. ALT values ​​can increase 8-9 times.

Extremely high rates are provoked by acute hepatitis: excess of the norm by 20-45 times.

Other reasons

In addition to diseases, physiological reasons also act as factors causing upward deviations in ALT values. Among them:

• exceeding permissible physical activity;
• drinking alcohol before the examination;
• stressful situations;
• eating fatty, fried, spicy foods.

Increased rates are observed during pregnancy. A slight deviation is considered natural.

Uncontrolled use of medications significantly affects the results of the analysis. Therefore, if possible, you should refrain from using them before performing the analysis.

How to get your numbers back to normal

The exceptional information content of the results of blood biochemistry on ALT, which allows diagnosing a wide range of pathological conditions, does not provide grounds for independently drawing conclusions and making decisions.

This prerogative should be left to qualified doctors.

The fundamental principle in an integrated approach to eliminating the problem is further examination in order to determine the root cause of the deviation from the norm. Having found out which disease served as the trigger for the increase in values, the doctor will choose the right treatment tactics.

Diseases with a particularly severe clinical course require a course of treatment in a hospital setting.

These include:

• pancreatic necrosis;
• extensive myocardial infarction;
• acute and infectious hepatitis;
• cirrhosis;
• oncology.

The treatment of each of them is specific and requires strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations.

Drug treatment

Among the most effective medications used specifically to lower enzymes in the blood, hepatoprotectors should be noted:

• Essentiale N;
• Heptral;
• Karsil;
• Tykveol.

Drugs in this group prevent further destruction of liver cells and other organs. At the same time, they restore cells damaged by the pathological process.

Other measures

In addition to taking hepatoprotectors, choleretic agents and drugs that improve digestive processes, it is recommended to adhere to the following diet:

• meals should be small and frequent;
• Fatty, fried and spicy foods should be excluded from the diet;
• smoked meats and sausages are prohibited;
• It is not recommended to use marinades or get carried away with pickles;
• food should be steamed, baked, simmered or boiled;
• limit the consumption of strong tea and coffee;
• exclude alcohol and smoking.

About the use of traditional methods

As auxiliary agents, it is allowed to use decoctions and infusions of chamomile, thyme, St. John's wort, and peppermint.

However, you should consult your doctor before using them.

The greatest harm comes from self-medication and irresponsible attitude towards one’s health.

To avoid serious consequences caused by late contact with a specialist, you should do a blood test 1-2 times a year. This will allow you not to miss the onset of the destructive effects of liver, pancreas and heart diseases on the body.

Good day to all my readers! Today we will talk about increased AST and ALT indicators in biochemical blood test numbers. People are interested in what this means, especially since the analysis itself is new, carried out not so long ago. This is especially true on Mondays, when people get tests - I have already learned this from my own practice.

What are ALT and AST

ALT analysis in most cases comes with AST. The norm is the same for them. These abbreviations indicate the presence of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartic aminotransferase (AST) in the blood plasma.

Their activity is calculated in conventional units, since it is difficult to accurately determine their concentration in the blood even with modern devices. They are counted by enzymatic activity. I won’t describe how the calculation goes; we, ordinary people, don’t need that.

These enzymes work inside the cells of our body. Their role is to transfer groups of atoms from one amino acid to another. That is, they perform transport functions. The second name for these enzymes is transaminases. ALT is alanine transaminase, AST is aspartic transaminase.

These enzymes are present in all cells, some more, others less. Liver cells have the highest concentration of ALT, and heart cells have more AST enzymes . In other tissues the indicators are also different.

These enzymes enter the blood only from destroyed cells. This means that increased levels of AST and ALT enzymes in the blood indicate that the body is undergoing a process of cell destruction. If your ALT test is elevated, this means the liver is experiencing certain problems, you need to pay attention to this and take measures to improve its health.

If your AST reading is elevated, it means there are some problems in the heart. You need to pay attention to this organ.

ALT norms in blood

for women up to 31 Edl

for men up to 41 Edl

Norms of AST in the blood

for women up to 31 Edl

for men up to 41 Edl

These are the average values, so to speak. for the average person leading an ordinary lifestyle. The norm is not an ideal, but people live with these indicators and feel more or less tolerable.

By what amount can the indicator increase?

If your test results show any excess, then it is important to imagine how far it has deviated from the norm.

If the indicator is 2 - 5 times higher than normal, then this is a moderate increase - additional analysis will probably be required after some time to track the dynamics.

If the indicator is 6 - 10 times higher, then this is an average increase - consultation with a doctor is recommended.

If the indicator is more than 10 times higher than normal, then this is a high increase - you need to contact a specialist.

Reasons for increased AST and ALT

The increase in performance is influenced by viruses, various hepatitis - drug and alcohol, heart attacks, pancreatitis. In general, any health problems are reflected in these indicators.

Therefore, a comprehensive health assessment is required, and it can only be given by your attending physician, or a specialist who deals with you on the problem with which you contacted him.

ALT or AST increased for no reason

Check your medications, probably among them there is one that can have side effects on the liver. This is the most common reason for this type of increase. Most often, ALT can increase from taking statins, drugs that lower cholesterol.

Experts also advise consult a hepatologist or gastroenterologist. Doctors will prescribe medications to protect the liver (hepatoprotectors) and treat the gastrointestinal tract.

Elevated ALT during pregnancy

Sometimes you have to deal with the fact that ALT can be elevated in a woman during pregnancy. This is acceptable, and if the woman is under the supervision of a doctor, then there should be no cause for concern. Plus, if you feel relatively normal, then the indicator should be considered only as a signal of pregnancy, nothing more.

Video - why is alt analysis increased?

Friends, I am publishing this video solely for your familiarization with the information provided by the specialist. All telephone numbers and contacts of clinics present in the video have nothing to do with me.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of AST and ALT in a biochemical blood test indicate that cell destruction is underway in the tissues of the heart and liver.

Avoid harmful effects medications, alcohol, fatty and fried foods. Visit a hepatologist and gastroenterologist who will prescribe restorative procedures for you.

But I repeat once again, There is no point in drawing any terrible conclusions from this analysis.. Do not scare yourself and your loved ones ahead of time. Finding out the reason for the increased indicators requires additional examinations, and only if they are prescribed by your attending physician. If the specialist sees no reason to worry, then you don’t need to worry either.

In the comments you often write your test results, but I will not give you any recommendations. There is an excess of the norm, but I won’t tell you what caused it.

How to lower ALT levels- pay attention to oatmeal jelly. I talked in detail about the cooking recipe here, follow the link and cook. The indicators should, if not return to normal, then decrease. Oats have a good hepatoprotective effect.

Alanine aminotransferase (abbreviated ALT or Alt) is an enzyme that functions inside various cells of the human body. Blood contains only small amounts of this substance.

An increase in ALT levels is an important diagnostic criterion, which indicates increased cell destruction due to various pathologies.

The role of ALT in the body and where it is found in the body

Alanine aminotransferase is an essential component of amino acid metabolism. In cells, the enzyme regulates the conversion of alanine, which has many functions, such as providing energy to nerve cells, strengthening the immune system, and correcting the metabolism of various substances.

ALT is found in:

1. Liver (highest level).
2. Lungs.
3. Pancreas.
4. Heart.
5. Kidneys.
6. Muscles.

How to get tested for AlAt?

To obtain correct results, you must follow these rules:

• It is best to donate blood in the morning, on an empty stomach.. Food intake can affect the enzymatic activity of the liver and pancreas, causing the results to be overestimated. Therefore, the test must be done at least 8 hours after the last meal;
• It is necessary to avoid alcohol in any form 7 days before donating blood., because it affects the liver much more than regular food;
• Some medications cause changes in alanine aminotransferase levels, these include: oral contraceptives, acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, warfarin. If you are taking anything on this list, tell your doctor.

Normal ALT values ​​for men, women and children

The amount of alanine aminotransferase depends on both age and gender. The level of the enzyme is influenced by many circumstances, including the so-called “physiological crossovers” in children (changes in the ratio of blood elements), hormonal fluctuations, stress and much more.

Normally, ALT is contained in the bloodstream in the following quantities:

Enzyme	Newborns	Children under six months	6 months – 1 year	1 -3 years	3 – 6 years	6 – 18 years	Adult women	Adult men
ALT	up to 50 U/l	up to 56 U/l	up to 52 U/l	up to 33 U/l	up to 29 U/l	up to 39 U/l	up to 46 U/l	up to 34 U/l

If biochemistry reveals a high ALT content, first of all, the doctor should rule out errors in the analysis, taking into account all the indicators at the time of testing.

After confirming that the tests have revealed a real increase in the enzyme, it is worth continuing further research to clarify the location of the pathology.

Depending on the existing symptoms, the patient may be prescribed additional examination of the liver, heart, pancreas or muscles.

If alanine aminotransferase is elevated, this very often indicates liver tissue damage. This reason is the most common and causes a significant increase in the level of the substance in the blood.

After receiving the biochemistry results, the doctor must calculate the Retis index - the ratio of the amount of aspartate-alanine aminotransferase. Its norm ranges from 0.91 to 1.75.

A reduced index may indicate liver disease, an increased index may indicate pathological changes in the heart muscle.

There are several degrees of increase in alanine aminotransferase:

Reasons for increasing AlAt

An increased concentration of alanine aminotransferase in the blood, when analyzed correctly, indicates the severity of the disease.

Even with liver tumors, the amount of ALT may be increased only slightly if the tumor is in its early stages.
So what should you do if the numbers in your analysis are elevated? How to determine the cause and begin treatment?

An increased level of alanine aminotransferase in the blood is observed after the release of the enzyme from damaged cells. Normally, cells constantly die in the body and are replaced by new ones, but an excess of the level is observed only with massive pathological death, when the enzyme enters the bloodstream in significant quantities

Diseases in which noticeably increased numbers are observed in the ALT analysis include:

1. Hepatitis (hepatitis types B, C, D are the most dangerous for the liver)– diseases of a viral nature that can be transmitted both by contact (types A, E) and through fluids of the human body (types B, C, D). This pathology is characterized by a long asymptomatic course. After infection, the first manifestations of the disease may not make themselves felt soon.

Such a dangerous disease as hepatitis C is famous for the fact that the virus takes a long time to destroy liver cells, and when the first symptoms appear, the process is already quite difficult to treat.

With hepatitis, the amount of ALT becomes significantly higher than normal, in addition, the levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and GGTP (liver gamma-glutamyltransferase) increase.

When analyzed in the blood, a significant amount of bilirubin is detected, a bile enzyme produced in liver cells:

1. Cirrhosis– total destruction of organ tissue, in which the organ gradually loses the ability to perform its basic functions.
2. Liver cancer.
3. Pancreatitis– inflammation of the pancreas, which very often results in necrosis of the organ tissue. Chronic pancreatitis requires constant monitoring of alanine aminotransferase levels to monitor the course of the disease.

The cause of pancreatitis is most often the abuse of fatty foods and alcohol. Sometimes inflammation of the pancreas is associated with blockage of the common bile duct, which can cause bile to flow into the gland and damage its cells.

With pancreatitis in an adult, a less sharp jump in ALT levels is observed than with hepatitis. However, determination of this enzyme by biochemical blood test is mandatory.

1. Myocardial infarction. This term refers to the death of a certain area of ​​the heart muscle as a result of disruption of the blood circulation process in it. This pathology also leads to an increase in the amount of ALT in the bloodstream. However, it is more characterized by an increase in the level of aspartate aminotransferase. It is this enzyme that will be key in making a diagnosis.
2. Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle. It is also characterized by the detection of increased levels of AlAt and AsAt during biochemistry.
3. Other reasons. This includes pathologies such as burns, frostbite, and extensive muscle tissue injuries. Tumor neoplasms that destroy the tissues of the above organs can also increase the amount of ALT.

If a biochemical analysis determines that your ALT level is elevated, then it’s time to consult a doctor.

Additional examinations will help determine the exact localization of the pathological process and begin treatment in a timely manner.

What can lower the amount of ALT?

A heart attack can be recognized by the appearance of characteristic shortness of breath, chills, changes in heart rate, and a decrease in blood pressure.

How is the treatment carried out?

How to reduce ALT levels? By curing the disease that led to his growth. By stopping the destruction of cells containing alanine aminotransferase, the amount of enzyme in the bloodstream can be returned to normal.

For hepatitis and heart attacks, self-medication will bring nothing but harm.

Serious pathologies such as large heart attacks, pancreatic necrosis, acute hepatitis need to be treated only in a hospital. Without the supervision of specialists, they threaten serious complications, including the death of the patient.

Each pathology must be treated according to a specific algorithm. Since most of them are life-threatening, the choice of treatment should be entrusted to a doctor.

Here are some general tips for lowering ALT levels:

• stop abusing alcohol and medications that affect the enzymatic activity of the liver;
• periodically take a course of hepatoprotectors;
• limit the consumption of fatty, smoked and spicy foods.

By thus reducing the load on your liver and the body as a whole, you will help it fight the disease.

Only the right lifestyle will help you avoid dangerous complications and maintain your health for a long time.

Laboratory research allows us to study in more depth the causes of the occurrence or development of a particular disease. Some test results are frankly alarming: when ALT is elevated, the doctor immediately prescribes additional tests. Hospitalization is often recommended. Why are excess levels of ALT and AST dangerous indicators for human life?

Aminotransferases: the role of the enzyme in the human body

Tests can be prescribed both during regular examination and at the time of exacerbation of certain diseases. Tests such as ALT and AST are the most important indicators of the proper functioning of many internal organs. Their deficiency or significant concentration in the blood plasma means serious disturbances in the functioning of organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver. Violation of the integrity of the skin (burn) also provokes an increase in the concentration of the enzyme in the blood plasma. If the indicator is significantly exceeded, special attention is still paid to the liver. In 75%, an elevated ALT level indicates a serious disruption in the functioning of a vital gland for humans - the liver. The higher the indicator, the worse the diagnosis.

Aminotransferases are important proteins that take an active part in the functioning of internal organs. Proteins are divided into several groups, and each group is capable of carrying certain amino acids. The group of transaminases is determined by the amino acid that these compounds transfer: for example, alanine aminotransferase transfers alanine, aspartate aminotransferase transfers aspartic acid, and glutaminate aminotransferase transfers glutamic acid. The correct amino acid transfer reaction is ensured by the coenzyme pyridoxine - vitamin B6. A lack of such a vitamin can provoke a violation of proper transfer, and as a result, disrupt the functioning of the organ. Alanine aminotransferase in tests is indicated by the abbreviation “ALT” (alt), aspartate aminotransferase - “AST” (ast).

As mentioned earlier, ALT is concentrated in the internal cells of many organs. And only dysfunction of a certain organ can provoke an increase in protein in the blood. What reasons may trigger the need to take an enzyme test? A number of dangerous diseases may not manifest themselves in acute symptoms for a number of reasons. The clinical picture of fatal diseases is sluggish and hardly noticeable:

• headaches of various types;
• sleep disturbance, insomnia, nightmares;
• increased sweating;
• skin rashes in the form of pimples, acne, redness;
• dry mucous membranes;
• weakened immune system;
• constantly depressed state, depressive mood;
• minor disturbance of the digestive system (occasional diarrhea, constipation, bloating);
• manifestation of “spider veins” in large numbers (especially on the skin of the face, neck, hands);
• aggression, fatigue and apathy.

But it is the indicators of this protein and its concentration in the blood plasma that can show the true cause of the depressed state. Often timely diagnosis shows emergency conditions that were without an obvious clinical picture:

• cirrhosis, necrosis, hepatitis of the liver, tumors – 50%;
• myocardial infarction – 30%;
• pancreatitis – 10%;
• internal ruptures of organs (with the exception of burns) – 10%.

A complete blood count cannot show the concentration of this protein. In the presence of chronic diseases, depressed mood and general weakness may occur. The adult patient may have previously been prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Meanwhile, without accurate and timely diagnosis, the underlying disease progresses and the patient’s condition does not improve. When does a doctor prescribe an additional test for the presence of ALT in the blood? There could be different reasons. A biochemical blood test can show the true picture of the patient's condition. To refute or confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may additionally prescribe a biochemical blood test for the presence of AST and ALT enzymes.

When ALT protein is elevated, it can indicate serious liver problems (often). However, each age has its own specific “norms”.

When is ALT elevated in children? Standards for this enzyme for children:

• infant from birth to two days - ˂31 IU/l;
• infant from two days to 5 days - ˂52 IU/l;
• child up to six months - ˂60 IU/l;
• children under one year - ˂57 IU/l;
• child from one to 3 years old - ˂39 IU/l;
• 4-6 years - ˂29 IU/l;
• 7-12 - ˂39 IU/l;
• from 13 to 18 years old boys - ˂26 IU/l;
• from 13 to 18 girls - ˂23 IU/l.

ALT norms for men and women at different ages:

• women from 20 to 60 years old - ˂32 IU/l;
• men from 20 to 60 years old - ˂40 IU/l;
• elderly people from 60 to 90 years old - ˂19-30 IU/l.

If ALT protein is elevated, then doctors determine the degree of difficulty. There are three degrees of difficulty:

1. light – exceeding the indicators by 1.5 – 3 times;
2. average – exceeding the indicators by 5-10 times;
3. severe – ALT protein is increased 10 times or more.

It is worth noting that excess aminotransferase in liver diseases is observed even without visible symptoms. And an increase in protein in the blood with a simultaneous increase in AST indicates complex and extremely complex conditions.

Correct blood sampling is a guarantee of accurate results

At the first elevated levels of this enzyme, the doctor usually prescribes a repeated sampling of the biomaterial. Such actions are necessary in order to exclude/confirm the diagnosis and establish the exact level of aminotransferase in the patient’s blood.

It is important to correctly take blood for further laboratory testing. The collection of biomaterial (in this case, blood from a vein) is carried out only in the morning on an empty stomach. In addition, it is not recommended to eat protein animal and plant foods the night before: meat, legumes, peas, milk, sour cream, eggs, soy, sausages, cheeses, cottage cheese.

To determine aminotransferase in the blood, 1 ml of blood serum is sufficient. Blood for testing is taken directly by a medical professional using a syringe. The blood is placed in a vacuum container. The material must be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours. It is also important to observe the temperature regime of the collected blood. Otherwise, the indicators will be distorted. Blood storage temperature: 2-8 °C.

Increased ALT: reasons

Among the main causes are disorders and severe liver diseases. The activity of the enzyme in the blood increases only due to the release of the enzyme by the diseased organ. When ALT increases, we can talk about the following diseases:

• necrosis of liver cells of any location;
• oncological malignant tumors of internal organs;
• heart failure;
• cirrhosis;
• hepatitis of viral etiology;
• obstructive jaundice;
• myocarditis;
• chronic or acute pancreatitis;
• extensive myocardial infarction;
• muscular dystrophy (as a result of alcoholism);
• hemolytic diseases;
• extensive burns;
• bone fractures;
• preeclampsia.

Reasons for low ALT

Reduced ALT protein levels are not associated with liver disease. Most often, a depressed state is provoked by a lack of B vitamins in the body. Improper diet and chronic long-term alcoholism are the main causes of reduced ALT. To normalize the condition, you need to adapt your diet, enriching it with protein plant and animal foods.

While elevated rates most often indicate liver problems, low rates suggest the presence of a malignant tumor of the digestive and genitourinary systems. Infectious diseases of the genitourinary system can also provoke a decrease in ALT.

Pregnancy is a period of increased stress on literally all the internal organs and systems of a woman. Hormonal changes can also have an impact on the functioning of the liver, and therefore on the level of protein in the blood.

Indicators for pregnant women should be normal. The exception is the first trimester of pregnancy. It is during this period that there is an increased load on the liver, which now provides clean blood not only to the mother, but also to the child. However, any standards must be discussed exclusively with a doctor.

If ALT is elevated after the third month of pregnancy, we can talk about gestosis. In this case, constant dizziness, fainting, pain in the temples, high blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting may occur. A very high load on the liver can be aggravated by chronic diseases of a pregnant woman: diseases of the genitourinary system, infectious diseases, pancreatitis, thyroid diseases, heart diseases.

ALT and AST indicators are only a “picture” of the state of internal organs. If there are complex liver diseases, the level of protein in the blood will decrease only if cured. ALT alone cannot rise or fall. This is almost always an “alarm” signal from your body. The concentration of alanine aminotransferase can only be stabilized by eliminating the underlying disease. To maintain liver function in case of vitamin B deficiency, the correct diet, vitamin complex and maintenance therapy with hepatoprotectors are prescribed.

A correctly done biochemical blood test can show the condition of both the liver and other internal organs. However, if the norms are exaggerated several dozen times, then we can talk about complex fatal diseases of the gland. For example, in cirrhosis, the level of alanine aminotransferase can be increased by more than 50 times. And the higher this indicator, the worse the patient’s condition. If enzyme levels are increased after a previous heart attack, then we can talk about an increasing risk for the patient: the higher the ALT level, the higher the likelihood of a relapse.