First Post: Fluctuating LFT's , specifically GGT

[Kreep]

First of all , thank you all for the information you have been providing on here. I've been lurking around for about a year and find it very helpful.

My history before my question:

I'm a 46 years old, male. 5'6" and weigh 166 lbs and am very athletic. I'm dealing with chronic back pain from breaking 3 vertebrae in a motorcycle accident 3 years ago. I'm usually a very active person, the past 3 years less so. April of 2020 I was diagnosed with slight fatty liver through an ultrasound and LFTs were GGT 135, ALT 59 and AST 41. I was drinking way too much, eating poorly at the time not coping well with chronic pain and a relationship falling apart.

I quit alcohol for three months and re-tested my LFTs. My GGT was at 66 June 8 and the very next day June 9th it was 80. Most recently I was tested Dec 28th and my GGT was 58 and yesterday Jan 22nd my GGT was 71.

Since about Dec 1st I've leaned right out by eating clean, increasing my daily exercise, avoiding or limiting my alcohol intake, intermittent fasting, taking supplements and am almost pain free due to having spinal injections to relief the pain. I've gotten my body fat percentage to around 17% - 16% and am actually seeing abs for the first time in years.

My DR doesn't seem to have an answer for my high GGT levels. My ALT, AST and AP are all within normal range.

Anyone else experience fluctuating GGT levels while abstaining for alcohol?

Does ethnic background play into higher than normal range for GGT?

Can supplements cause elevated GGT or the common cold, or sinus issues?

As far as supplements I take the following:

B Complex 602mg

Fermented Cod Liver Oil 1,500 mg (2x 750mg each)

Multi Vitamin

Theracurmin 180mg

Alpha -GPC 500mg

Prescription strength Reactine

I was taking Milk Thistle and Dandelion Pills but stopped 2 days ago as my skin was acting up, probably due to the fact I'm allergic to rag weed.

Any insights on similar experiences would be much appreciated.

[velvetunderground]

Hi there - Well done on kicking the booze, that's certainly the best thing you can do to help your liver. However, why are you taking such a large stack of supplements? Unless advised by a doctor, I would suggest you avoid any supplements right now. You should be able to get everything you need from a balanced diet. Everything you take that gets into your bloodstream will be filtered through the liver and give it more work to do. Some vitamins (including B) can cause problems if taken to excess. Milk thistle in particular is generally not recommended for liver health.Sorry to heart about the back, I was a bike instructor for many years, and luckily never had a really bad accident - I've seen a few awful ones though.

All the best

Paul.

[Kreep in reply to velvetunderground]

Thanks Paul, yes I've realized the naturopath I went to might have gotten me on way too many supplements. I'll be cutting way back.

I read an interesting article on antihistamines yesterday and a report on how they could cause liver damage. I've been taking prescription strength Reactine for, well at least 7-10 years everyday at the direction of my GP. I'm going to stop that as well and reassess in a few months.

[velvetunderground in reply to Kreep]

Cutting back the supplement stack sounds like a great plan to me. However, if your GP prescribed the Reactine, then I think you should discuss if/how to cut that with them first.

Best

Paul.

[Hidden]

Hello Kreep,

May I suggest if you have a diagnosis of Fatty liver disease, that you clarify if you have had any form of fibrosis monitoring or follow up . This will show if you have any fibrosis/stiffness or scarring in your liver. If there is , your GP may refer you to a haaptologist (liver specialist)

For additional information I have included links to information from our website, including information about supplements.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Trust9

[Kreep in reply to Hidden]

He doesn't believe I need that. He suggested just cleaning up my diet and exercise should deal with the fatty liver. I have dropped 15 pounds since I was diagnosed and for me that is a huge amount as I have never struggled with weight issues.

[YogaTwo]

Hi! I don't have any answers but just wanted to post that I am in the same boat. 43, very active, BMI 19 don't drink alcohol. My high GGT was discovered when I started with a new provider and we did a full panel of blood tests. AST and ALT are fine. We have been testing it every 3 months for 1.5 years now and it jumps around...121, 135, 88, 155, 82, 143??? I've now seen several doctors about it and no one has an answer nor do they seem concerned? It bothers me a lot though!! Let's keep each other posted if we learn anything helpful?

[Kreep in reply to YogaTwo]

Sounds good mate. Let's hope we can both get answers soon. I've stopped all supplements and will retest in a month or so.

[YogaTwo in reply to Kreep]

Hi! I just wanted to update you that I was referred to a Hepatologist and received an abdominal CT and a liver ultrasound. All looked great. Based on those findings the Hepatologist also has no explanation for the elevation of my GGT. I am very thankful I have no obvious liver issues based on imaging studies but I am also frustrated that we can't find an answer to this elevation.

[Kreep]

That's great about your results and I feel your frustration. I'm to the point where I'm just trying to block it out of my mind.