Low Liver Enzymes

The enzymes that are present in the liver help accelerate the chemical reactions within the liver. These enzymes are nothing but proteins. Because of their presence, liver performs a variety of functions. Liver is a vital organ which helps in blood purification, detoxification, digestion, excretion and metabolism. Liver helps remove toxins from the body. It also synthesizes proteins which are essential for timely clotting of blood. It promotes the metabolism of medications and nutrients. It helps store fat, vitamins, bile and cholesterol. It plays an important role in the production of glucose and it helps process the waste products of hemoglobin in blood. Insufficient amount of liver enzymes is a sign of liver impairment or damaged liver cells which can affect liver function seriously and so should not be ignored. Let us now take a look at what causes low levels of liver enzymes.

Insufficient Liver Enzymes: Causes
Globulin: The protein globulin is produced in the liver and it is present in blood in large amounts. Damaged liver cells is the main cause of insufficient amount of globulin in blood. Kidney diseases can also lead to low globulin in blood. When kidneys cannot filter the protein from the blood, it leaks into the urine leading to high protein in urine. Various neoplasms, acute hemolytic anemia, hypogammaglobulinemia/agammaglobulinemia, etc. can cause low globulin levels.

Albumin: Another important protein that is present in blood is albumin. Badly damaged liver cannot produce albumin. Albumin test helps detect albumin levels in blood. The normal albumin range is from 3.9 grams/deciliter to 5.0 grams/deciliter. Liver dysfunction due to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer can cause low albumin levels. Albumin and globulin are the main proteins present in the bloodstream. The normal protein levels range (in the bloodstream) is 6.5 - 8.2 grams per deciliter.

Prothrombin: Liver produces prothrombin, a kind of protein which promotes timely clotting of blood. Serious liver diseases can lead to low prothrombin levels, resulting in longer time for clotting. Vitamin K deficiency, blood-thinning medicines, certain other medications, certain bleeding disorders can affect prothrombin function. A prothrombin time test helps measure the time required for a person's blood to clot.

ALT or Alanine Aminotransferase or SGPT: ALT is present in the liver only. Hepatitis C virus can cause low and high ALT. The normal ALT levels range is 5 IU/L - 60 IU/L (International Units per Liter).

AST or Aspartate Aminotransferase or SGOT: AST is present in liver as well as other organs. Both ALT and AST are produced by the liver. The normal AST levels range (in the bloodstream) is 5 IU/L - 43 IU/L. ALT and AST are used to metabolize amino acids and to make proteins. Liver dysfunction can alter the production of AST.

GGT or Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase: The normal GGT range is 5 IU/L - 80 IU/L. Liver damage results in low GGT levels.

ALP or Alkaline Phosphatase: ALP is present in the bones, kidneys, liver, intestines and placenta. The normal range of ALP is 30 IU/L - 115 IU/L. Liver damage, congestive heart failure, bone disease, can lower the production of ALP.

Bilirubin: Low bilirubin levels indicate high chances of developing heart problems. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can cause low bilirubin levels. SAD can result in decreased energy levels, fatigue and concentration problems. Normal total bilirubin levels range from 0.20 mg/dl to 1.50 mg/dl.

To sum up, here is a list of causes of low liver enzymes.

• Liver diseases like fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, cancer, etc.
• Liver hemangiomas
• Hypothyroidism
• Adrenal fatigue
• Malabsorption, malnutrition, poor diet, diet low in foods with nitrogen
• Fever
• Severe diarrhea
• Various types of infections
• Inadequate iron intake
• Severe burns
• Hypocalcemia
• Protein and other vitamin deficiencies
• Pregnancy
• Low physical activity
• Kidney disease or damage
• Excessive intake of fat
• Excessive intake of drugs and chemicals

Insufficient Liver Enzymes: Symptoms
Symptoms that indicate liver disorders may vary from person to person. Some of the common symptoms are listed below:

• Upper right quadrant pain
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice, skin and whites of the eyes turning yellow
• Bad breath
• Anemia
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling
• Bloating
• Tenderness in abdomen in the region of the liver
• Dark-colored urine, Black tarry stools
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Enlarged spleen
• Ankle edema

Insufficient Liver Enzymes: Treatment
A series of liver function tests (LFTs: blood tests) and other tests like ultrasound, CT, MRI, biopsy, etc. help find out the causes of low liver enzymes. Signs and symptoms of the condition help diagnose the disorder. LFTs or liver function tests help measure albumin, various liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT and ALP), bilirubin, prothrombin time, cholesterol and total protein (TP). The test results show how well a person's liver is working. Doctors may prescribe medicines to treat the specific underlying cause of insufficient liver enzymes. But patients need to make some lifestyle changes. A high fiber diet that is low in calories and saturated fats can prove to be beneficial for the patients. Avoiding alcohol is essential and important. Avoiding high glycemic foods, controlling the diseases like diabetes with prompt medications, controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels through diet, regular exercise and use of 'necessary and sufficient' medications is equally important.

Liver diseases are called 'silent killers' as they don't exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. You need to watch for the symptoms carefully. I hope you found the above information on 'low liver enzymes' helpful.