ALP

Alkaline phosphatases

ALP

Alkaline phosphatases, ALP, are a type of enzyme that breaks down phosphate groups in organic molecules and are active at a higher pH value (alkaline).

What is ALP – Alkaline Phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in several organs of the body, including the small intestine, kidneys, bile ducts, osteoblasts in the skeleton and in the placenta. In adults, the activity in plasma mainly originates from the bile ducts.

Why is ALP analyzed?

Alkaline phosphatase is one of several markers used to check liver values. It is mainly used to investigate liver cell damage and follow-up of liver disease. In various skeletal diseases, greatly elevated values ​​can be seen.

What can high levels of ALP be due to?

Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can be a sign of diseases that affect the skeleton, liver or biliary tract. ALP is an enzyme that is mainly produced in the liver, bones and placenta (during pregnancy), which means that elevated ALP levels can have several different causes.

Skeletal diseases

ALP rises in the following conditions that affect bone tissue:

  • Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease) which is a disease in which bone turnover is greatly increased, which in turn leads to deformities and elevated ALP levels.
  • Rickets and osteomalacia which are conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency, where bone mineralization is impaired and ALP may be elevated as a compensatory effect.
  • Skeletal metastases, cancer that spreads to the bones, can cause high ALP due to increased bone turnover.
  • Hyperparathyroidism, which involves overactivity of the parathyroid glands, can lead to increased bone resorption and thus high ALP levels.

Liver diseases and biliary obstruction

Since alkaline phosphatases are also produced in the liver, high levels can also be seen in:

  • Cholestasis (blockage of bile flow), in the case of gallstones or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), impaired bile flow can lead to elevated ALP.
  • Liver cirrhosis and hepatitis, in these chronic liver diseases, ALP levels can be affected depending on the progression of the disease.
  • Tumors or metastases in the liver can cause elevated ALP values.

Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, ALP can increase due to the production of placental phosphatase, which is a completely normal physiological change.

Other effects:

ALP can also be elevated in certain infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or the use of certain medications that affect liver or bone metabolism.

What can cause low levels of ALP?

Low levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are uncommon; nutritional deficiencies, genetic conditions, or diseases that affect enzyme production are causes that may be linked to low values. It is important to remember that there are several factors that can affect ALP levels and that a low level is not always a cause for concern. Here are a few conditions where low levels of ALP can occur.

Hypophosphatasia

A rare, genetic condition in which ALP production is impaired, leading to problems with bone formation and mineralization. The severity varies from mild forms in adults to severe forms in children.

Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic factors

  • Zinc deficiency can lead to lower ALP levels as zinc is important for ALP production and maintenance of enzyme activity.
  • Magnesium deficiency can affect ALP and other enzymatic processes.
  • Protein deficiency or malnutrition can affect enzyme production and lower ALP due to low protein intake.

Endocrine diseases

  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) can lower metabolism and thus ALP levels.
  • Cushing's syndrome, which is a condition with overproduction of cortisol, can affect ALP.

Chronic diseases and liver damage

Some liver diseases can cause low ALP, especially if the liver's ability to produce enzymes is impaired.

Tests containing the marker ALP

Pregnancy tests

Pregnancy tests


Health check pregnant
  • Health check for you who are pregnant.
  • Analysis of 28 relevant health markers.
  • Identifies gestational diabetes.
  • Analysis of sex hormones and the thyroid gland.

1 695 kr

Health checks

Health checks


-21%
Biological age
  • Calculation of biological age based on the PhenoAge model.
  • Analysis of nine biomarkers that reflect health and aging.
  • Scientifically validated method with high accuracy.
  • Possibility to follow biological age and the effect of lifestyle changes.

895 kr699 kr

Health check pregnant
  • Health check for you who are pregnant.
  • Analysis of 28 relevant health markers.
  • Identifies gestational diabetes.
  • Analysis of sex hormones and the thyroid gland.

1 695 kr

-55%
Heart specialist's cholesterol profile
  • Health check with heart specialist.
  • Statement by a specialist in cardiology.
  • Analysis of your cholesterol profile, blood fats.
  • Consultation for possible treatment is included.

1 795 kr795 kr

Health check - Alcohol
  • Measures your alcohol consumption over time.
  • Analysis of markers that control liver function
  • Private result, not shared with healthcare record.

619 kr

Woman
  • Health check designed for women.
  • Includes a total of 48 health markers.
  • Gives you information about your overall health.
  • Can identify early signs of health problems.

1 795 kr

Man
  • Health check designed for you as a man
  • Includes a total of 45 health markers
  • Gives you knowledge about your general state of health
  • Can identify early signs of health problems

1 795 kr

Independent health check
  • Analysis of 46 health markers.
  • For control of vital health areas.
  • Self-referral without a doctor.

1 495 kr

-13%
Health check Large
  • Health check - Large.
  • Analysis of 52 health markers.
  • Helps you identify outliers.

2 195 kr1 890 kr

-17%
Health check man plus
  • Comprehensive health check for men.
  • Includes 64 different health tests.
  • Provides insight into your health data.
  • 10 different health areas.

4 595 kr3 795 kr

-17%
Woman Plus
  • Extended health screening for women.
  • 64 different health tests are included.
  • Several markers of hormonal balance.

4 595 kr3 795 kr

-10%
Standard
  • Analysis of markers that affect the liver and kidneys.
  • Analysis of markers that affect the heart and blood vessels.
  • Control of the risk of possible diabetes.

995 kr895 kr

Liver Check Test
  • Health check for your liver function
  • Analysis of relevant liver markers
  • Get more insight into your liver health

329 kr

Sport
Sport performance health check

Sport

  • Health check for those who exercise actively.
  • Analysis of markers that affect your performance.
  • Gives you the conditions to optimize your health.

1 995 kr

Liver

Liver


  • Measuring your ALP value.
  • Gives insight into how your liver is doing.
  • Indication of possible liver disease.

39 kr

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