What Level of GGT is Dangerous?

Dangerous GGT Levels: What’s Normal, High & Critical Explained

GGT levels above 50 IU/L are generally considered elevated and may indicate liver or heart failure. Doctors suspect a higher level of GGT can result in liver or bile duct damage, especially in older adults.  

What is gamma-glutamyl transferase?

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in the cells and tissues of the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, and pancreas. It is responsible for various biochemical processes and protects is a biomarker of oxidative stress/damage. High levels signify it is working more to protect your body from potential damage.

Normal ranges are lab- and gender-specific:

• Men: 12–64 IU/L
• Women: 9–36 IU/L

What Are the Factors That Can Increase GGT?

Several factors influence GGT levels in your body, which we will discuss in detail below:

• Liver Diseases : Diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver cancer or liver tumours can increase GGT levels in the blood. As this enzyme protects our vital organs from damage, critical conditions trigger the liver cells to produce more GGT, leading to more severe complications.
• Pancreatitis : Acute inflammation of the pancreas can increase the GGT levels in the blood. Due to liver or bile duct injury, GGT gets released into the bloodstream. A damaged liver finds it difficult to transfer the GGT to the pancreas, and due to the damaged bile duct, GGT swells and breaks into the bloodstream.   
• Diabetes : High blood sugar levels can affect the GGT level. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common problem in diabetes, which causes excess fat accumulation in the liver. Excessive fat accumulation means the liver cannot digest the fats properly, leading to heightened oxidative stress and reduced glutathione metabolism.  
• Alcohol Consumption : Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the proper functioning of the liver. A damaged liver elevates the GGT level within the body and can cause severe liver diseases or pancreatitis. Alcohol produces free radicals in the bloodstream, which can cause oxidative stress or damage to the hepatocytes.  
• Medications : Most medicines have various health side effects if taken regularly. Similarly, certain drugs like phenytoin, phenobarbital, and oral contraceptives can elevate the GGT levels. Medicines can induce toxic reactions within the hepatocytes, resulting in elevated GGT levels. High levels of GGT can create other underlying conditions.

What is Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) important for?

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a key indicator of either liver or kidney damage. As we know, this enzyme is predominant in the kidney, liver, pancreas and brain. Thus, abnormal ranges can identify any kind of underlying conditions.

1. It helps in detecting any kind of liver and bile duct damage.
2. GGT helps doctors determine and differentiate between bone and liver disorders.
3. Healthcare experts can monitor alcohol consumption levels through this particular test.
4. The following enzyme plays a key role in the body's defence mechanism as it regulates glutathione metabolism, a key antioxidant in the body.    

The normal range of GGT is between 0 and 30 IU/L, which signifies the proper functioning of all the vital organs. Whereas elevated levels above the normal physiological range may need healthcare support.