Liver health
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Alanine transaminase, SGPT
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Compare membershipsWhat ALT says about your liver cells.
ALT is an enzyme found mainly in liver cells. When those cells are stressed or injured, more ALT leaks into your blood, which makes it one of the most useful routine markers of liver cell health.
A raised ALT has many possible causes.
Possible reasons for a higher ALT include fatty liver, alcohol, some medications and supplements, and viral hepatitis. Intense exercise can also raise it for a short time.
ALT shows that liver cells are under some stress, but it can't tell you why or how much scarring there is. A major liver guideline notes that many labs set their upper limit above the levels seen in healthy people, so your trend over time is worth watching.
ALT tells you the liver is under stress. Other tests help explain why.
Questions
What can affect ALT besides liver disease?
Intense exercise or a muscle injury, some medications and supplements, body weight, age, and sex can all affect ALT. A single mild rise is often rechecked before anyone draws conclusions.
What happens if my ALT is out of range?
A licensed nurse practitioner reviews every result. ALT is read together with AST, GGT, and albumin, plus your alcohol use, medications, and health history, to decide whether repeat testing or follow-up makes sense.