Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in many tissues in the body, including the liver, bile ducts, bones, kidneys, and intestines. ALP helps to break down certain proteins and fats in the body. Normal ALP levels range from 30 to 120 international units per liter (IU/L) in adults. Higher-than-normal ALP levels can indicate a problem with one or more of these organs.
There are many different causes of high ALP levels. Some of the most common causes include:
If you have high ALP levels, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause. Treatment for high ALP levels will depend on the underlying cause.
What Causes Alkaline Phosphatase Levels to Be High
Many conditions can cause high ALP levels.
- Liver disease
- Bone disease
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy
- Medications
- Alcohol abuse
- Cancer
If you have high ALP levels, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause.
Liver disease
Liver disease is one of the most common causes of high ALP levels. The liver is responsible for many important functions in the body, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to help digest fats, and storing sugar for energy. When the liver is damaged, it can release ALP into the bloodstream, causing ALP levels to rise.
There are many different causes of liver disease, including:
- Viral hepatitis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medications
- Cancer
Symptoms of liver disease can include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of liver disease can help to prevent serious complications.
If you have liver disease, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy to determine the extent of the damage. Treatment for liver disease will depend on the underlying cause.
Bone disease
Bone disease is another common cause of high ALP levels. ALP is involved in the mineralization of bones, so when there is a problem with bone formation or resorption, ALP levels can rise.
- Paget's disease of bone
Paget's disease is a chronic bone disorder that causes bones to become enlarged and weakened. It is the most common metabolic bone disease in adults over the age of 50.
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. It is most common in postmenopausal women and older adults.
- Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Too much PTH can cause bones to lose calcium, leading to high ALP levels.
- Cancer that has spread to the bone
Cancer that has spread to the bone can cause ALP levels to rise. This is because cancer cells can produce substances that stimulate the production of ALP.
If you have bone disease, your doctor may recommend a bone scan or X-ray to diagnose the condition. Treatment for bone disease will depend on the underlying cause.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease is another common cause of high ALP levels. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter ALP as well, causing ALP levels to rise.
There are many different causes of kidney disease, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medications
- Cancer
Symptoms of kidney disease can include:
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Frequent urination
- Foamy or bubbly urine
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease can help to prevent serious complications.
If you have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy to determine the extent of the damage. Treatment for kidney disease will depend on the underlying cause.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a common cause of mild to moderate elevations in ALP levels. This is because the placenta, which is the organ that provides nutrients to the developing fetus, produces ALP. ALP levels typically start to rise in the second trimester and peak in the third trimester. After delivery, ALP levels usually return to normal within a few weeks.
In some cases, pregnant women may have very high ALP levels. This can be a sign of a liver or bone problem. If you are pregnant and have high ALP levels, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the cause.
Symptoms of liver or bone problems during pregnancy can include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Most pregnant women with high ALP levels do not have any serious problems. However, it is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your ALP levels and to check for any signs of liver or bone problems.
Medications
Certain medications can also cause ALP levels to rise. These medications include:
- Anticonvulsants (medications used to treat seizures)
- Antipsychotics (medications used to treat mental illness)
- Antidepressants (medications used to treat depression)
- Birth control pills
- Steroid medications
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
If you are taking any of these medications and you have high ALP levels, your doctor may recommend stopping the medication to see if your ALP levels return to normal. However, it is important to never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication that is less likely to cause high ALP levels.
If you are concerned about the possibility of a medication causing your high ALP levels, talk to your doctor.
Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse is another common cause of high ALP levels. Alcohol can damage the liver, causing ALP to leak into the bloodstream.
- Alcoholic hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitis is a condition in which the liver becomes inflamed and damaged due to alcohol abuse. It can cause high ALP levels, as well as other liver problems.
- Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and damaged. It is the most advanced stage of alcoholic liver disease. Cirrhosis can cause high ALP levels, as well as other serious health problems.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. It is often associated with alcohol abuse, obesity, and diabetes. NAFLD can cause high ALP levels, as well as other liver problems.
- Increased risk of pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can cause high ALP levels, as well as other serious health problems.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help you get sober.
Cancer
Cancer can also cause ALP levels to rise. This is because cancer cells can produce substances that stimulate the production of ALP. Additionally, cancer that has spread to the bone or liver can cause ALP levels to rise.
Cancers that are most likely to cause high ALP levels include:
- Liver cancer
- Bone cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
Symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer. Some common symptoms of cancer include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Skin changes
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can improve your chances of survival.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about what causes alkaline phosphatase levels to be high:
Question 1: What is alkaline phosphatase (ALP)?
Answer: ALP is an enzyme found in many tissues in the body, including the liver, bile ducts, bones, kidneys, and intestines. ALP helps to break down certain proteins and fats in the body.
Question 2: What are normal ALP levels?
Answer: Normal ALP levels range from 30 to 120 international units per liter (IU/L) in adults.
Question 3: What causes ALP levels to be high?
Answer: There are many different causes of high ALP levels, including liver disease, bone disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, medications, alcohol abuse, and cancer.
Question 4: What are the symptoms of high ALP levels?
Answer: Symptoms of high ALP levels can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, pain, swelling, bleeding, skin changes, and changes in bowel or bladder habits.
Question 5: How is high ALP levels diagnosed?
Answer: High ALP levels are diagnosed with a blood test. Your doctor may also order other tests to determine the underlying cause of your high ALP levels.
Question 6: How is high ALP levels treated?
Answer: Treatment for high ALP levels will depend on the underlying cause. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Question 7: Can high ALP levels be prevented?
Answer: Some causes of high ALP levels, such as liver disease and alcohol abuse, can be prevented. You can help to prevent high ALP levels by living a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol abuse.
If you have any concerns about your ALP levels, talk to your doctor.
Here are some tips for lowering your ALP levels:
Tips
Here are some tips for lowering your ALP levels:
Tip 1: Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce your risk of liver disease, bone disease, and other conditions that can cause high ALP levels. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Tip 2: Get regular exercise.
Regular exercise can help to strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. It can also help to improve your overall health and well-being.
Tip 3: Avoid alcohol abuse.
Alcohol abuse can damage the liver and cause high ALP levels. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For women, this means no more than one drink per day. For men, this means no more than two drinks per day.
Tip 4: Talk to your doctor about medications.
Some medications can cause high ALP levels. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about whether they may be causing your high ALP levels.
Following these tips can help to lower your ALP levels and improve your overall health.
If you have high ALP levels, talk to your doctor to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Conclusion
High ALP levels can be caused by a variety of conditions, including liver disease, bone disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, medications, alcohol abuse, and cancer.
If you have high ALP levels, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
In many cases, high ALP levels can be lowered by treating the underlying cause. For example, if your high ALP levels are caused by liver disease, your doctor may recommend medications or lifestyle changes to help improve your liver function.
In some cases, high ALP levels may not be a sign of a serious medical condition. For example, pregnant women often have high ALP levels. However, it is always important to see your doctor if you have high ALP levels to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to lower your ALP levels and improve your overall health.