Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver/bile ducts and in bone. Its rise can therefore originate from the liver (bile stasis) or bone (growth, remodeling, disease) — the source must be distinguished.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 120 U/L | Alkaline phosphatase is at optimum. |
| Worth improving | 120 – 150 U/L | Mildly elevated ALP — interpret in context (liver/bones). |
| Talk to a doctor | 150 U/L and above | Elevated ALP — we check the liver and bones. |
This marker also has 9 age- or sex-specific range sets in the app — the table shows the general one.
Why it matters
EASL: an elevated level indicates the bile ducts/liver or bone metabolism.
If it’s low
Low ALP is rare; it can accompany zinc deficiency, malnutrition or rare diseases.
If it’s high
Elevated ALP can indicate obstruction/irritation of the bile ducts (if GGT is also elevated) or bone activity (if GGT is normal) — growth in children, bone remodeling, bone disease.
What to do
Read it with GGT: high GGT points to the liver/bile, normal GGT to bone. ALP is physiologically higher in children and in pregnancy.
Read together with
GGT · Bilirubin (total) · Calcium · Vitamin D
Part of the guide: Liver →
Articles about this marker
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): what high or low levels meanMarker explained
- Biological age: what it is and how to slow it downSupplements & longevity
- Blood chemistry tests: normal values for ALT, AST, GGT, CRP, CK, creatinine and glucoseReading your report
- High bilirubin: what it means and how to spot Gilbert's syndromeMarker explained
- Liver tests (ALT, AST, GGT): what they mean and how to help your liverMarker explained
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
Your number, not the average
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