Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Routine annualalso alk phos
What it isALP is a family of enzymes anchored to cell membranes in the liver, bile ducts, bone, intestine, and placenta. Total blood ALP combines contributions from all sources.
DoesRemoves phosphate groups in alkaline environments; rises when bile flow is obstructed or bone turnover increases.
GoodA mid-range level signals normal bile flow and quiescent bone remodeling.
BadElevation suggests bile duct obstruction, liver disease, accelerated bone turnover, or vitamin D deficiency. Very low ALP can indicate zinc, magnesium, or B6 deficiency, or hypophosphatasia.
- Standard
- 40–129 U/L men; 35–104 U/L women.
- Optimal
- 50–85 U/L (narrow target)
- Modifiers
- Rises with growth in adolescents, pregnancy, healing fractures, and bile duct disease; low in malnutrition.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Weight-bearing exercise for bone health; sun exposure for vitamin D.
- Diet
- Adequate protein and minerals; address any micronutrient deficiencies (zinc, magnesium, B6).
- Supplements
- Vitamin D3 (target 60–80 ng/mL), vitamin K2 MK-7 (180–360µg/day), magnesium glycinate (300mg/day), zinc (15–30mg/day if low).
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Treat underlying cause; ursodeoxycholic acid for cholestatic conditions.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Liver & Detox