Low ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) refers to the presence of ALT enzyme in the bloodstream at lower than normal levels. This enzyme, normally found in the liver, kidneys, muscles and heart, is especially known as a determinant of liver health. Low ALT is a less common condition, unlike high ALT levels that are often associated with liver diseases. Low ALT is generally rare in healthy individuals and is not generally considered a symptom of a disease or condition. However, very low ALT levels can be a sign of serious medical problems in rare cases. These conditions may include genetic disorders, certain nutritional deficiencies, liver damage, or severe impairment of liver function.
What is ALT?
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) is an enzyme and this enzyme, found in the liver and some other tissues, takes part in the metabolism of the amino acid alanine. ALT plays an important role in the conversion of amino acids and energy production in the body. It is found in particularly high amounts in the liver, but can also be found in smaller amounts in other tissues such as the kidneys, muscles, and heart. In a medical context, the ALT level is measured through blood tests. This test is used to evaluate liver function and identify liver damage or disease.
Normally, ALT levels should be present in limited amounts in the bloodstream. However, when liver cells are damaged or liver functions are impaired, ALT can leak into the bloodstream, causing the ALT level to rise. High ALT levels may indicate liver disease, liver inflammation (hepatitis), alcohol-related liver damage, fatty liver (steatosis), side effects of medications, and other health problems. Therefore, the ALT test is a medical tool that provides important information about liver health and is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor liver diseases.
What causes low ALT in the blood?
Low blood ALT is a rare condition. ALT is an enzyme found in the liver and is necessary for the liver to process proteins and produce energy. Low alanine aminotransferase indicates that there is not enough ALT in the liver or that the liver’s ability to produce ALT is reduced. Some conditions that may cause low ALT in the blood include:
- Vitamin B6 deficiency: Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of the ALT enzyme. Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause a decrease in ALT levels.
- Kidney disease: The kidneys filter the ALT enzyme from the blood. In people with kidney disease, it may be more difficult for the ALT enzyme to filter from the blood, which can lead to a decrease in ALT levels.
- Some medications: Some medications can cause a decrease in ALT levels. (Aminoglycosides, antibiotics, some cancer drugs, metformin, nitrofurantoin, cyclosporine, etc.)
- Liver disease: In people with liver disease, ALT levels are often elevated. However, in some cases, ALT levels may be low in people with liver disease. This can occur in cases where the liver is severely damaged.
Low blood ALT usually does not indicate a serious health problem. However, if you are experiencing low ALT levels, it is important for your doctor to determine the cause. Symptoms of low ALT in the blood are:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- muscle pain
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- Stomach ache
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor.
What causes low ALT and AST?
Low ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) refers to the presence of these two enzymes in the bloodstream at lower than normal levels. These conditions are generally rare in healthy individuals, and the underlying causes may vary. Some possible causes of low ALT and AST:
- Genetic Factors: Some people may have naturally lower ALT and AST levels. This may be related to genetic factors and does not usually indicate health problems.
- Liver Damage: It is rare for ALT and AST levels to decrease due to liver damage or liver disease. Often liver damage indicates that these enzymes leak into the bloodstream with high levels.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Vitamin B6 deficiency, in particular, can cause ALT and AST levels to decrease. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the normal functions of these enzymes.
- Medicines: Some medications can cause liver enzymes to decrease. In particular, drugs that metabolize liver enzymes may cause this effect.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause ALT and AST levels to decrease.
Low ALT and AST are usually not a sign of health problems and are rare if a person is healthy. However, it is important to consult a doctor to better understand this condition. The doctor can perform the necessary tests to determine the underlying cause of low enzyme levels and recommend appropriate treatment.
Is low ALT dangerous?
Generally, low ALT is not dangerous. The liver can usually function normally even if the ALT level is below normal. However, in some cases, low ALT may indicate a serious health problem. For example, ALT levels are often elevated in people with liver disease. However, in some cases, ALT levels may be low in people with liver disease. This can occur in cases where the liver is severely damaged.
Your doctor may order blood tests and other tests to determine the cause of low ALT. Once the cause is determined, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment of low ALT depends on the cause. In case of vitamin B6 deficiency, vitamin B6 supplements can be given. In case of kidney disease, treatments can be applied to improve kidney functions. In cases of low ALT due to medications, the dosage of medications may need to be reduced or changed. In cases of liver disease, treatments may be applied to address the cause of liver damage.
Where to check ALT value?
ALT value can be checked from blood test results. Blood tests are done in a laboratory or hospital. Blood test results are usually interpreted by a doctor. In blood test results, the ALT value is often labeled as “ALT” or “Alanine Aminotransferase.” The ALT value is usually stated in units (U/L).
ALT value may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Therefore, when interpreting the ALT value, it is important to consider the laboratory’s reference range. In general, the normal value of ALT in healthy adults is between 7-56 U/L. If the ALT value is above 56 U/L, this may be a sign of liver damage or disease.
What levels of liver enzymes are dangerous?
Liver enzymes are enzymes found in the liver that play a role in the breakdown of proteins and energy production. Levels of these enzymes increase when there is damage or disease in the liver. The normal reference range for liver enzymes may vary from laboratory to laboratory. However, in general, in healthy adults, the normal value of ALT is 7-56 U/L and the normal value of AST is 10-41 U/L.
If ALT and AST levels are above 56 U/L and 41 U/L, this may be a sign of liver damage or disease. In this case, liver function tests and other tests are performed to determine the cause of liver damage. Some conditions that can cause liver enzymes to reach dangerous levels include:
- Hepatitis B or C
- Alcoholism
- liver inflammation
- liver cancer
- Some medications and supplements
ALT value is 55, is it normal?
ALT value of 55 is a high value. The normal reference range of ALT value is between 7-56 U/L. If the ALT value is above 56 U/L, this may be a sign of liver damage or disease. An ALT value of 55 is an indication that there is a problem in the liver. This problem may be caused by alcoholism, hepatitis, liver cancer or another condition.
It is important for a person with an ALT value of 55 to see a doctor and determine the cause of liver damage. Once the cause of liver damage is determined, appropriate treatment can be planned. Some situations that may cause the ALT value to exceed 55 are:
- Alcoholism: Alcohol can damage the liver and cause ALT levels to rise.
- Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are viruses that affect the liver and can cause increased ALT levels.
- Liver cancer: Liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver and can cause increased ALT levels.
- Other situations: Other conditions that can cause liver damage include liver inflammation, liver failure, and certain medications.
It is important to see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms if your ALT value is 55:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Stomach ache
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- Jaundice
These symptoms may be a sign of liver damage or disease.