Alkaline Phosphatase

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Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found throughout the body. The two main sources in the blood are the liver and the bones.

Why it matters: A high level may point to liver disease or certain bone disorders. A low level is less common.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range

40.0 – 129.0U/L

129LowNormalHigh

What Moves It

May increase with:

Cirrhosis

Hepatitis

Bile duct obstruction

Cholestasis of pregnancy

Paget's disease of the bone

Healing fractures

Hyperparathyroidism

Osteomalacia

May decrease with:

Malnutrition

Zinc deficiency

Magnesium deficiency

Hypothyroidism

Associated Conditions

Cholestasis of pregnancy, which high levels in the liver may indicateCirrhosis of the liver, which high levels in the liver may indicateHepatitis, which high levels in the liver may indicateBiliary atresia, which high levels in the liver may indicateBiliary stricture, which high levels in the liver may indicateBiliary obstruction due to cancer, which high levels in the liver may indicateMononucleosis, which high levels in the liver may indicateBone metastasis, which high bone levels may indicatePaget's disease of the bone, which high bone levels may indicateOsteogenic sarcoma, which high bone levels may indicateHealing fractures, which high bone levels may indicateHyperparathyroidism, which high bone levels may indicateHyperthyroidism, which high bone levels may indicateOsteomalacia, which high bone levels may indicateUntreated coeliac disease, which a high level may also be a sign ofMalnutrition, which an abnormally low level may indicateZinc deficiency, which an abnormally low level may indicateMagnesium deficiency, which an abnormally low level may indicateHypothyroidism, which an abnormally low level may indicateRare genetic conditions including hypophosphatasia and Wilson disease, which an abnormally low level may indicate

Related Markers

GGT Bilirubin (Direct)Calcium

Common questions

What is Alkaline Phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found throughout the body. The two main sources in the blood are the liver and the bones.

What might a high or low Alkaline Phosphatase mean?

A high level may point to liver disease or certain bone disorders. A low level is less common.

What is the typical reference range for Alkaline Phosphatase?

The general-population reference range shown here is 40 – 129 U/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Alkaline Phosphatase?

It may be higher with: Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Bile duct obstruction, Cholestasis of pregnancy, Paget's disease of the bone, Healing fractures, Hyperparathyroidism, Osteomalacia. It may be lower with: Malnutrition, Zinc deficiency, Magnesium deficiency, Hypothyroidism.