The liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, playing a key role in detoxification, digestion, and metabolism. Maintaining optimal liver health is essential for overall well-being, and Liver Function Tests (LFTs) provide valuable insights into how well your liver is functioning.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key markers in a liver function test, what they mean, and how to interpret the results to assess your liver health.
Key Markers in Liver Function Tests (LFTs) #
1. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) #
- What it is: An enzyme found primarily in the liver, used to detect liver cell injury.
- Optimal Range: 10 – 30 U/L
- What it indicates:
- High ALT: Suggests liver cell damage, which could be caused by inflammation, fatty liver, or toxin exposure.
- Low ALT: May signal vitamin B6 deficiency or malnutrition.
2. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) #
- What it is: An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues like muscles and the heart.
- Optimal Range: 10 – 30 U/L
- What it indicates:
- High AST: May indicate liver damage, muscle injury, or heart issues.
- AST/ALT Ratio:
- A ratio greater than 2 often points to alcohol-related liver damage.
3. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) #
- What it is: An enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones.
- Optimal Range: 30 – 120 U/L
- What it indicates:
- High ALP: May suggest bile duct obstruction, liver disease, or bone disorders.
- Low ALP: Could point to zinc deficiency or hypothyroidism.
4. GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) #
- What it is: A marker of bile duct health and oxidative stress.
- Optimal Range: 10 – 40 U/L
- What it indicates:
- High GGT: Linked to alcohol consumption, fatty liver, or toxin exposure.
- Low GGT: Suggests healthy bile flow and liver function.
5. Total Bilirubin #
- What it is: A byproduct of red blood cell breakdown processed by the liver.
- Optimal Range: 0.2 – 1.2 mg/dL
- What it indicates:
- High Bilirubin: Suggests impaired liver detoxification or bile duct issues.
- Low Bilirubin: May indicate oxidative stress or the influence of certain medications.
6. Direct Bilirubin #
- What it is: Measures conjugated bilirubin, used to assess bile duct obstruction.
- Optimal Range: 0.1 – 0.3 mg/dL
- What it indicates:
- High Direct Bilirubin: Points to gallstones or bile duct blockages.
7. Albumin #
- What it is: A protein produced by the liver that reflects liver function and nutritional status.
- Optimal Range: 3.5 – 5.0 g/dL
- What it indicates:
- Low Albumin: Suggests impaired liver synthesis or malnutrition.
8. Globulin #
- What it is: Proteins linked to immunity and inflammation.
- Optimal Range: 2.0 – 3.5 g/dL
- What it indicates:
- High Globulin: Suggests chronic inflammation or infection.
- Low Globulin: Could indicate protein malnutrition.
9. Total Protein #
- What it is: The sum of albumin and globulin, reflecting overall protein status (not necessarily related to dietary protein intake).
- Optimal Range: 6.5 – 8.0 g/dL
- What it indicates:
- Low Total Protein: May point to liver dysfunction or protein loss.
Why Liver Function Tests Matter #
LFTs provide valuable information about your liver’s ability to:
- Detoxify harmful substances.
- Produce proteins critical for health.
- Process nutrients and hormones.
Abnormal LFT results can help identify liver diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and bile duct issues. However, interpreting these results in context with your symptoms and medical history is essential.
Takeaway #
Your liver works tirelessly to keep your body running smoothly, but it needs care and attention to function optimally. Regular liver function tests can help detect early signs of liver dysfunction and guide appropriate interventions.
Tips for Supporting Liver Health #
- Maintain a nutrient-rich diet with antioxidants and essential vitamins (e.g., B6, zinc, selenium).
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly to support overall metabolism and reduce fatty liver risk.
- Limit exposure to environmental toxins and processed foods.
