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Low (ALT) Alanine Aminotransferase level in the blood

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Low (ALT) Alanine Aminotransferase level in the blood
Last update: 26/03/2020

What is low ALT level in the blood called?

  • ALT Hypertransaminasemia

What is the normal level of ALT in the blood?

If you need to know which are the ALT reference ranges or you require more information about the role of ALT in the blood, you can visit normal ALT level in the blood

What does a low ALT level in the blood mean?

A low ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) level in the blood, formerly named glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), it is not usually a matter for concern. In general, it is present in case of an unbalanced diet with vitamin deficit or due to urinary tract infection.

  • Mild ALT hypotransaminasemia (0 - 7 U/L in adults):

    The ALT level in the blood is a bit low. Low ALT values are usually a positive sign and they are not considered out of range.

    It may be a matter of concern if TSH parameter is high that may suggest hypothyroidism or in case an urinary tract infection is present. Talk to your doctor in any of these two circumstances.

Which factors can reduce the ALT level in the blood?

To suffer a particulated health situation can reduce your ALT level in the blood:

  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Pregnancy
  • Urinary tract infection

Which diseases can reduce your ALT level in the blood?

The following diseases can explain an ALT level in the blood lower than normal:

  • Hypophosphatasia

What can I do to increase the ALT level in the blood?

To increase your ALT level in the blood you must follow a balanced diet with a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

The following foods are rich in vitamin B6:

  • Meats: Poultry (Chicken, turkey)
  • Fruits and vegetables: Bananas, potatoes
  • Fish: salmon, sardines
  • Nuts, Pistachios

Where can I find more information about ALT in the blood?

You can visit our pages about:

Which values are considered a low ALT level in the blood?

The following values are considered to be below the normal range:

IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in U/L. They are an example of a healthy man of about 45 years old with no known disease and not taking any medication. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances.

ALT Alanine Aminotransferase
Mild ALT hypotransaminasemia
6 U/L5 U/L4 U/L3 U/L2 U/L1 U/L0 U/L 
Medically reviewed by Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.D. on 26/03/2020

Bibliography

  • Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations. 2nd Edition. 2015. Ramnik Sood. ISBN: 978-93-5152-333-8. Pag. 533.
  • Thomas L. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In:Thomas L, ed. Clinical laboratory diagnostics. Use and assessment of clinical laboratory results. Frankfurt/Main: TH-Books Verlagsgesellschaft, 1998:55-65 ISBN: 9783980521543.
  • Schumann G, Bonora R, Ceriotti F et al. IFCC Primary Reference Procedures for the Measurement of Catalytic Activity Concentrations of Enzymes at 37°C. Part 4. Reference Procedure for the Measurement of Catalytic Concentration of Alanine Aminotransferase. Clin Chem Lab Med 2002;40:718-24.
  • Thomas L, Müller M, Schumann G et al. Consensus of DGKL and VDGH for interim reference intervals on enzymes in serum. J Lab Med 2005;29:301-08.
  • Painter PC, Cope JY, Smith JL. Chapter 50. Reference information for the clinical laboratory. In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry. Philadelphia:WB Saunders Company, 1999;1802pp. ISBN 9780721656106.
  • Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Version 5.0.Published: November 27, 2017. U.S. Department of health and human Services. Available on: https://ctep.cancer.gov
  • Severity grading in drug induced liver injury. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available on: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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