high ALP

[Molly108]

I had my liver/cholesterol bloods done recently due to starting a statin.

my ALP part came back high and the dr put a note of Vit D?? Is that saying it’s Vit D deficiency. Is there anything helpful to know before I see the gp next week for example further blood tests to ask for.

[chrisw740]

If you and your Dr have no reason to suspect liver disease and your ALP is the only elevated marker from your liver panel - then it's reasonable to suspect other sources of ALP. Basically, ALP is also made in your bones, intestines, pancreas, and kidneys. Vitamin D deficiency is a fairly common cause for non hepatic elevations in ALP.

Perhaps ask your GP to retest in a month or so after any deficiency is addressed. Boosting VitD naturally is best - safe sun exposure, some fish oils, but failing that, there's lots of synthetic VitD supplements but do discuss with you Dr first.

[Molly108 in reply to chrisw740]

Thank you, great summary of what ALP actually is as the Nhs site didn’t quite explain the link between ALP and vitamin D except a bone disease 🤷‍♀️ and that could mean a whole lot of reasons.

[chrisw740 in reply to Molly108]

You're welcome.

Perhaps asking your GP to also test your calcium levels might be prudent. As you're also on a menopause healthunlocked forum - it's worth noting that declining estrogen levels can additionally aggrevate symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. I'm definitely not saying that's what's happening but being mindful of bone health seems like a good place to start - although I wouldn't overly worry about this one rougue result right now.

Very Best

Chris

[Molly108]

oh yes! Menopause, never gave that a thought. I will discuss further, thanks again x

[Greengal314]

I got checked for vitamin d 25 hydroxy. I have liver disease and had a high ALP. All of my other liver function tests were normal.

My vitamin D 25 hydroxy came back normal.

The liver converts vitamin D that you get from the sun and food into Vitamin D 25 hydroxy. This level is measured in the blood as an indicator of how well the liver functions. It’s common for people with liver disease to have low levels.

Prob also in relation to osteoporosis risk.

[Greengal314]

I’ve had arthritis from an old sports injury which appears to be contributing to my ALP level. But my bones and vitamin d are fine.

So I guess there are a lot of possibilities. If you eat a fatty meal late at night before a blood test it can raise the ALP as well.

[Molly108]

thanks for all the advice. My vit D was low and I do have a couple of other things come back on bloods that the dr doesn’t seem too concerned but they are seeing how those go. Hopefully after taking vit D all will even out 🤷‍♀️

[Greengal314 in reply to Molly108]

Sounds like a plan. 😀