What Level of Alkaline Phosphatase is Dangerous?

High Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: Symptoms, Causes & Risk Thresholds

Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, exceeding 140 IU/L, are usually dangerous and warrant further investigation. Doctors consider worsening liver diseases if they find ALP levels higher than 500 IU/L, and if it is higher than 1000, it can be a critical sign of cancer or liver failure.

What is alkaline phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme predominantly present in the body. It is an essential enzyme that regulates all the important biochemical processes of our physiological system. Higher levels of ALP determine tissue damage or disruption of normal bodily functions.

What are the Functions of Alkaline Phosphatase?

The primary function of this enzyme is to remove phosphate groups from molecules, as it is essential for cellular activities like fat digestion and bone mineralisation. However, there are different functions of ALP in various vital organs of the body. These include:

Bone Mineralisation

1. Osteoblasts, or bone-forming cells, exhibit high levels of ALP, as it contributes to the bone mineralisation process.
2. It triggers and increases inorganic phosphate levels, which are essential for bone formation.
3. The following enzyme also reduces the level of pyrophosphate, which inhibits the process of bone mineralisation.

Liver Functions

1. ALP helps digest and absorb fats in the small and large intestines.
2. It removes the phosphate groups from the molecules, which makes fat digestion and absorption convenient.
3. ALP regulates intestinal pH and absorbs long-chain fatty acids in the intestinal lining.

Intestinal Functions

1. ALP is a key enzyme of the liver, which is why it is alternately known as the liver enzyme.
2. It plays a key role in bile production in the human liver.
3. Any kind of chronic liver damage or disease can cause elevated ALP levels insignificantly.

What are the ranges of ALP and their interpretation?

Let us discuss the different ranges of alkaline phosphatase in our physiological system and their medical interpretation.

• Normal Range : The normal physiological range of ALP varies among different clinical laboratories. However, the most common range lies between 30 and 140 IU/L. It signifies that the liver and kidneys are functioning properly.  
• High Levels : ALP levels higher than 140 IU/L are considered a serious condition and require medical attention. It may indicate various conditions that can lead to fatal liver disorders or kidney problems.
• Significantly Higher Levels : Levels above 1000 IU/L determine chronic conditions like liver cancer or liver failure. Patients showing ALP levels higher than 1000 IU/L require proper treatment and medications. Conditions like liver cirrhosis or cancer can lead to serious complications, sometimes death.

Which Conditions Cause High ALP Levels in Blood?

These conditions can cause high ALP levels, leading to other serious complications:

• Viral Hepatitis: Viruses like Hepatitis A, B or C attack our liver cells, causing liver damage and increasing the level of ALP, confirming liver damage.   
• Alcoholic Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and can increase the ALP level.
• Paget’s Disease: It is a rare bone disease that inhibits normal bone functions and eventually elevates the ALP levels.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis occurs due to prolonged and persistent damage to the liver. The liver cannot function properly, resulting in higher ALP levels.
• Bone Cancer: Increases ALP levels in the blood due to excessive cellular activity in the affected bone.

If someone has higher ALP levels in the blood, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to get proper therapeutic guidance. Taking medications can reduce the level to a normal physiological range.