Raised ALT and serum iron

[Mj1986]

Hello all

I'm new here and now panicking after some abnormal lab results. I'm 35 female and extremely fit and healthy (don't drink at all). I regularly test my blood through Thriva to keep track of my health, this latest test came back with high Alt (76), slightly raised bilirubin (19) and high serum iron (39)but normal ferritin 70. I have tracked my blood marker for 3 years and they are always perfect so I am a little worried (last normal test was May). I have spoken to my doctor and he is going to run the tests again on Thursday as they need to verify the results since they were from a fingers tick blood test. I do take allot of supplements which I have now stopped completely, and I did also have an Mri with contrast last week as I'm having surgery for endometriosis, I've just come to learn that the gadolinium contrast can be toxic to some people. The iron is a mystery to me as usually I'm on the low side but I did add a large dose daily of chlorella to my protocol 10 weeks ago which I've just found out has 20mg of bioavailablr iron per dose in it so could be the reason for the high serum iron. I do also have 2 copies of the H63D gene which I think puts you at a very slight increase risk for hemochromatosis. My Mri scan which was a pelvic scan did look for endo on my liver, an said my liver looked fine so I'm hoping this was a good sign. I did also do several high intensity weight training sessions before the test which ibe heard can impact alt but my creatinine was low normal so I'm not sure this is the cause. I'm wondering if thr supplemts plus thr gadolinium contrast aggrivated my liver and hopefully stopping them will start to reduce my liver enzymes? All others marker ie cholesterol blood sugar etc are good. Should I be worried?

[AyrshireK]

No one here is going to be qualified to comment on whether you should be worried or not.

You have a lot going on that could easily have contributed to your ever so slightly elevated levels - the supplements, the high intensitivity exercise regime (can indeed elevate ALT) etc. As your doctor is going to re-run the tests more thoroughly with blood draw tests rather than just finger prick they are hopefully going to be able to run the tests to see if there is actually any issue or whether or not this latest change is just to do with the supplements, the training etc. etc.

Make sure doctors know of all the supplements you've been taking as the answer to the blip in results could lie there.

Best wishes, hope you get answers from your doctor soon.

Katie

[Mj1986 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie. So a level of 76 would be considered mild elevation?

[AyrshireK in reply to Mj1986]

Lab ranges for 'normal' vary from hospital - a ladies ALT is usually around 7-35. At just over 2 x upper limit of normal your 76 would be considered a mild elevation. A significant elevation would be anything over 3 or 4 times upper limit of normal and in some liver illnesses like Auto Immune Hepatitis patients often see elevations of ALT into the 1000's.

ALT is present in muscles and the kidneys as well as the liver so your intensive exercise regime could be elevating that particular reading.

"The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) technical review states that serum ALT has diurnal variation, may vary day-to-day and may be affected by exercise or muscle injury."

Katie

[Mj1986 in reply to AyrshireK]

And if it were supplements am I right in thinking in most cases ceasing the supplements can reverse the damage?

[AyrshireK in reply to Mj1986]

I would imagine so - obviously this is the danger of taking unregulated, non-scientifically proven stuff because you really don't know what is in them or what actual 'dose' you're taking and how they interact with each other. Without knowing you are actually deficient in something then it can be potentially dangerous to add things to your system. (Iron in particular).

Make sure your doctor knows what you have been taking and if they advise you stop then follow doctors guidance.

Stopping whatever is 'attacking' a liver is always the best way to stop further damage and heal any that's been done - whether that be alcohol in the case of Alcohol Related Liver Disease, sugars and stuff in relation to fatty liver, treating virus's etc. etc.

Hopefully your doctor will get this sorted for you a.s.a.p.

Katie

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome,

Here is our information 'liver disease tests explained'

britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp...

It is important to fully discuss matters with your GP who is best placed to guide you.