High alkaline phosphatase levels. The influence of negative factors on alkaline phosphatase

Under alkaline phosphatase refers to a specific enzyme that can be found in many tissues of the body. It is present in bones, bile duct cells, liver and placenta.

With the help of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), reactions associated with the removal of phosphate from organic compounds are activated in the body. The enzyme is a hydrolase, which means it converts biochemical substrates by adding water elements. It promotes the smooth movement of phosphorus throughout the body.

The peak activity of alkaline phosphatase is fixed in a pH environment, which is why its name contains “alkaline”.
The enzyme level reflects the condition of the bone tissue and hepatobiliary system ( gallbladder and bile ducts, liver). Also, by its content in the blood one can judge the correspondence of phosphorus-calcium metabolism to the needs of the body.

Increased enzyme content is observed both with physiological conditions body, and in severe pathologies.

Symptoms of increased alkaline phosphatase

An increase in the amount of alkaline phosphatase compared to the norm can be manifested by the following symptoms:

feeling tired;
pain in the right hypochondrium;
loss of appetite;
attacks of nausea;
painful sensations in bones and joints.

Such manifestations signal an unhealthy state of the body. They are characteristic of many diseases, so it is simply necessary to conduct a blood composition study. The results of the analysis will provide information about the enzyme content.

Alkaline phosphatase is elevated: causes

An increase in alkaline phosphatase concentration is observed in relatively healthy people in cases:

alcohol poisoning;
long-term use of medications. Their list is quite extensive and contains several hundred items. Particularly dangerous are drugs that can cause the so-called hepatotoxic effect. This means that they long-term use will easily disrupt the structure and function of the liver;
pregnancy.

An increase in enzyme levels associated with pathologies most often occurs during the development of diseases that damage bone tissue, liver and kidneys.

Three groups of such ailments can be distinguished.
I. Liver damage, its destruction (destruction) and problems with bile movement:

Cirrhosis is a disease process in which normal tissue the organ is replaced by scar tissue. All liver functions are inhibited.
Hepatitis, most often viral and autoimmune. With this disease, the content of alkaline phosphatase exceeds the norm three times.
Primary tumor in the liver and secondary cancer - penetration of metastases of tumors that have arisen in other organs.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis – chronic illness liver, which results in inflammation, development liver failure And portal hypertension. The disease is rare.
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a consequence of a previous illness. A day or two after the onset of the disease, the level of alkaline phosphatase increases fourfold and does not decrease even after recovery. It will take at least a week before the enzyme levels return to normal levels.
Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral disease. The liver is affected, and peculiar changes occur in the composition of the blood.
Cholestasis is stagnation of bile.
Extrahepatic obstruction bile ducts stones that interfere with the flow of bile.

II. Pathological changes bone tissue :

Paget's disease is a chronic and complex disease. The bone repair mechanism is damaged, which leads to increased destruction, deformation and weakening.
Osteomalacia – systemic disease skeleton, which is accompanied by softening and deformation of the bones. The disease violates mineral metabolism, and phosphoric acid, calcium salts and vitamins leave the body.
Osteogenic sarcoma– malignant primary bone tumor. It originates and develops directly in their depths.
Metastases that have penetrated into bone structure from other organs.
Increased metabolism in bone tissue. It occurs during the healing process of fractures.

III. Other diseases:

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disease endocrine system, caused increased activity parathyroid glands. It is accompanied by a pronounced disturbance in the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium.
Heart attack.
Ulcerative colitis.
Intestinal perforation.

Medical statistics inform that in more than half of patients, alkaline phosphatase levels exceeding the norm are caused by liver pathologies.

Features of increasing alkaline phosphatase in men and women

The normative amount of alkaline phosphatase in men is 20-25 units higher than in the fair sex. Over the years it changes in both sexes and tends to increase.

Abnormal amounts of naturally occurring ALP result in:

excessive or intense physical activity;
vitamin deficiency and dietary errors.

In the fair sex, the enzyme level increases:

during the period of gestation, mainly in the third trimester;
during breastfeeding;
after menopause.

Women who take hormonal contraceptives are more likely to develop a disease such as cholestatic jaundice or intrahepatic cholestasis.

And men who are already 50 years old often suffer from Paget's disease. This disease can be inherited.

Features of alkaline phosphatase growth in children

The amount of enzyme and its activity in children is always higher than in adults.

This situation can continue until the onset of puberty. All this is natural and is explained by the peculiarities of the physiology of children, because they experience rapid growth of bone tissue.

At the same time, data on the content of alkaline phosphatase help diagnose liver pathologies that are accompanied by insufficient supply of bile to the liver. duodenum. The enzyme level in such ailments often increases and becomes much higher than the normal value.

An increased amount of ALP in children signals possible development such diseases:

rickets;
hyperparathyroidism;
Infectious mononucleosis;
intestinal infection;
damage to bone tissue, including malignant tumors;
Paget's disease.

For timely diagnosis rickets, fixing the level of alkaline phosphatase is invaluable. An increase in enzyme content during the development of this disease occurs much earlier than the first symptoms appear.

Alkaline phosphatase is higher than normal: what to do?

First of all, do not self-medicate. Enzyme growth is not a disease, but only a symptom that accompanies a specific illness.

It must also be taken into account that increased level ALP can be naturally occurring. Excessive enzyme activity is sometimes observed in healthy people. In these cases it is a consequence physiological characteristics and processes in the human body.

Therefore, only a specialist can find out the real reasons for the increase in enzyme levels. He will appoint additional research, based on the results of which he accurately diagnoses the disease and decides on therapy.

In order for the alkaline phosphatase level to normalize, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease. Simply adjusting the indicator to the optimal limits will not work.

Alkaline phosphatase is an active enzyme in the body, thanks to which phosphoric acid is broken down and the organs are enriched with an organic compound. The highest concentrations of the enzyme are found in the kidneys, bone tissue, bile duct and liver. Alkaline phosphatase levels are fundamental to correct diagnosis for diseases internal organs. Therefore, careful monitoring of enzyme activity indicators is necessary.

Alkaline phosphatase - understanding the concepts

This enzyme is mainly found in liver cells and biliary tract, influences biochemical reactions, acting as catalysts for the breakdown phosphoric acid. As a result of the destruction of the acid, its contents enter the blood, which explains the presence of the enzyme in almost any cell of the body.

As a result of the renewal process, a certain level of alkaline phosphatase is detected in the blood. If a significant number of organ cells die, the enzyme level may increase or decrease, depending on the cause of the damage.

Enzyme Features:

the main component of phosphatase is zinc, so an increase in the level of the enzyme is justified by a deficiency of food containing zinc;
Blood groups 1 and 3 are very sensitive to fatty foods; as a result of their intake, the enzyme level increases sharply. Therefore, before testing for alkaline phosphatase, it is recommended to abstain from eating for 12 hours;
phosphatase can be half eliminated from the body within 3-4 days, so monitoring tests should be a weekly event. Their more frequent use is prohibited;
the enzyme is found in bone tissue in large quantities, therefore, changes in its level are typical for people old age, since they have a decrease in bone mass;
It is impossible to determine the presence of abnormalities in the excretion of bile from the body in children by phosphatase.

The enzyme is found in cells various organs, therefore has different structure. Depending on the isoenzymes, alkaline phosphatase is divided into:

bone;
renal;
spleen;
liver;
bone tissue;
intestinal mucosa;
biliary tract.

Clinical picture

Thanks to the enzyme in the human body it maintains normal exchange substances affecting all tissues and organs. If any organ is damaged, then some of its cells enter the blood and cause an imbalance of alkaline phosphatase. This state of affairs can cause diseases and damage to the liver, kidneys, and bone tissue.

The most striking causes of enzyme level disturbances include malignant tumors.

Reception of many medicines may affect phosphatase levels. Such drugs include furosemide, papaverine, ftorotan and others.

Causes of abnormal enzyme levels in women:

3rd trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
excessive physical exercise;
poor nutrition;
menopause;
heart attacks lung tissue;
rickets;
inflammatory processes having infectious nature;
avitaminosis;
diseases thyroid gland.

Why do the test?

An abnormality in enzyme levels is one of the main indicators for diagnosis. As a rule, the analysis is prescribed in combination with other clinical research methods. This analysis is prescribed to all patients who have kidney, liver, digestive system, bone tissue. A phosphatase test is ordered if the following symptoms are present:

nausea;
yellowing of the eyes;
loose stool;
sharp pain in a stomach;
suspicion of cholestasis.

The results of the analysis are directly proportionately influenced by passive image life and use fatty foods. Abnormal enzyme levels can be caused by taking medications that thicken bile. Smoking increases phosphatase levels.

Preparing for analysis

The most popular research method is a biochemical blood test, which requires venous ulnar blood in a volume of 5 ml. In order for the analysis to give the maximum full information about the patient's condition, it is necessary to follow some rules.

Firstly, it is recommended to stop eating any food 12 hours before donating blood. You cannot study in 48 hours physical exercise or work that requires complete exhaustion. It is recommended to give up even fitness and jogging.

Two days before the test, it is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages. Doctors prohibit the use medicines, which increase the level of alkaline phosphatase. In this case, the test results will not be objective and the patient may be prescribed incorrect treatment.

An hour before donating blood, smoking is strictly prohibited. It is not recommended to donate blood immediately after x-ray procedures(fluorography). As a rule, the analysis takes place in the morning; drinking coffee or tea is not allowed. The analysis results will be ready within 24 hours.

Normal for women

Depending on age there are different different level enzyme standards.

Deviations during pregnancy and after menopause are discussed individually with a doctor.

Increased phosphatase - what does this mean?

First of all, an elevated level indicates the presence of ailments of the liver and biliary tract. The most common disease is obstructive jaundice, a clear manifestation of which is obstruction of the biliary tract. Common causes of elevated levels are other liver diseases, which manifest as kidney stones, duct tumors, neoplasms of the head of the pancreas, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, acute viral infection, sclerosing cholangitis.

Diseases of other organs can also cause an increase in the enzyme from the norm:

rickets - increased levels of the enzyme are observed 5 weeks before the disease shows its first symptoms, so it can be prevented and treated in a timely manner active treatment on early stages;
softening of the bones, which results in cancerous tumors;
osteitis deformans - an increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase is proportional to the development of the disease;
osteoporosis – the disease is characterized by a barely noticeable increase in enzyme levels;
hyperparathyroidism – has active influence on the activity of the thyroid gland;
renal osteodystrophy – is a consequence renal failure;
kidney hypernephroma – malignancy;
intestinal ischemia;
ulcers on the intestinal walls;
regular loose stools and stomach disorders;
polymyalgia rheumatica;
chronic myeloid leukemia;
myocardial infarction;
ulcerative colitis.

An elevated level of the enzyme indicates the presence of one of these diseases. Therefore, to combat abnormal alkaline phosphatase levels, it is necessary to eliminate the provoking diseases. After neutralizing them, the enzyme level will return to normal by itself.

Reduced level

Reduced enzyme levels can be caused by the following diseases:

extreme degree of anemia;
volumetric blood transfusions;
significant zinc deficiency;
hypophosphatasemia is a disease that is hereditary;
hypothyroidism – a significant decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland;
pernicious anemia– the background for the development of the disease is an acute deficiency of vitamin B12;
disturbances in bone growth;
reception ;
irradiation;
placental insufficiency.

The level of the enzyme tends to increase or decrease even in healthy individuals. This may be caused by short term external factors, which quickly lose their influence. A change in phosphatase levels does not necessarily indicate the presence of dangerous diseases and pathologies.

In order for enzyme level tests to be objective, a comprehensive medical examination based on other medical data.

The following attending physicians can prescribe an examination:

specialist general practice;
infectious disease specialist;
gastroenterologist;
hematologist;
surgeon.

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that ensures metabolic processes of calcium and phosphorus in organism. Detection of this substance in the blood may indicate the presence certain diseases. High performance are quite common, which indicates problems with the liver, kidneys and bones. Situations in which alkaline phosphatase lowered, much less, but they also indicate the presence of health problems. In what situations may this occur? low performance and what to do about it, we will consider further.

This biochemical indicator used to assess the condition of certain organs, and metabolic processes calcium and phosphorus. Alkaline phosphatase in the blood is determined using an analysis, the accuracy of the results of which can be affected by factors such as:

Food intake - the analysis should be taken on an empty stomach, since the food consumed can cause an increase in the error in the study.
Diet – fatty and fried foods, which have a increased load on the liver should be excluded. It is recommended to follow a diet 2-3 days before donating blood.
Alcohol – alcoholic drinks provoke the formation of toxins, which causes the liver to work several times harder. Any within 3-4 days alcoholic drinks needs to be excluded.
Stress and lack good sleep and rest - overexertion can cause inaccuracies in the study, so before donating blood you should rest well and get enough sleep.

Some kind of preparation for analysis helps to obtain more reliable data, reducing the risks of possible errors.

What values are considered low?

Blood alkaline phosphatase level may change with age, and also depends on gender. Therefore, low rates are appropriate to consider for certain categories of patients.

In men, the following analysis results are reduced:

18-35 years – less than 45 units/l;
35-45 years – less than 40 units/l;
45-65 years – less than 38 units/l;
over 65 – less than 37.5 units/l.

For women, the following values are considered deviations from the norm:

18-25 years – less than 48 units/l;
25-35 years – less than 45 units/l;
35-45 years – less than 44 units/l;
over 45 years old – less than 40 units/l.

For seniors, over 66 years old bottom line rises significantly; accordingly, low values are indicators that are below 150 units/l.

IN childhood ALP phosphatase is considered low at such levels:

newborns and children of the first year of life - less than 85 units/l;
1-5 years – less than 68 units/l;
5-10 years – less than 65 units/l;
10-15 years – less than 80 units/l.

At the time of pregnancy, the level of phosphatase increases significantly, since molecules synthesized by the placenta are added to the total amount of the enzyme.

Therefore, during this period of time, it is important to ensure that phosphatase does not decrease, which can lead to the development negative consequences, both for the mother’s body and for the child.

Ask your question to a clinical laboratory diagnostics doctor

Anna Poniaeva. Graduated from Nizhny Novgorod medical academy(2007-2014) and Residency in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (2014-2016).

Alkaline phosphatase - common name for combined enzymes (proteins) that take part in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in our body. Like every enzyme, it has its own special function. It involves the transfer of phosphorus across the cell membrane.

Phosphatase is a component of cell membranes in almost the entire body. She happens to be important indicator, since its variability depends on various diseases organs and systems. Blood alkaline phosphatase is also elevated during physiological conditions such as pregnancy.

In women and girls under 20 years of age, the enzyme level is slightly increased due to active growth bones.

It is important to know that each laboratory has its own gradations of indicators. You need to focus on the reference values (norm), which are described next to the data in the analysis form. There is one more unit of measurement - mkat/l., Unit/l = 0.0167 mkat/l.

Types of alkaline phosphatase

In the human body, it is present in almost all tissues, and is provided in 11 varieties (isoenzymes). The most common and clinically significant are the following:

Bone LPL is formed in osteoblasts (young bone cells). In case of violations bone integrity(fractures), bone deformations, rickets, alkaline phosphatase from the cell enters the blood, and accordingly its level in the blood increases (the most active).
Hepatic (ALPL) is located in liver cells (hepatocytes) and when they are destroyed, it is released into the blood.
The renal (ALPL) isoform of alkaline phosphatase is found in the renal tubules.
Intestinal (ALPI) in the intestinal mucosa.
Placental (ALPP) is synthesized in the placenta. Its indicators physiologically increase during pregnancy. The mammary gland secretes especially a lot of it during the lactation period.
Oncological phosphatase is an isoenzyme that is secreted from malignant neoplasms.

Detection of an elevated level of this enzyme indicates changes in many organs and systems, so this indicator is often checked. The enzyme is quite variable, as it can change depending on gender, body temperature and even the mood of the patient. Severe stress may provoke an increase in enzyme levels.

What you need to know about alkaline phosphatase

Increased alkaline phosphatase is more common in older people due to decreased bone mass.
This enzyme contains zinc, so if there is a lack of zinc in food, the phosphatase level will be reduced. Zinc-containing products: watermelon seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate, beef, lamb, peanuts, oysters.
You need to take the test on an empty stomach to avoid false overestimation. Since after eating fatty foods in people with I and III groups blood intestinal form alkaline phosphatase increases.

How to find out your alkaline phosphatase level

Its content is determined not only in the blood, but also in the mucous membranes of the intestines and even in saliva. A biochemical blood test is generally accepted. In healthy people, the liver or bone isoform of alkaline phosphatase usually circulates in the blood serum, but in not high numbers. Common designations are ALKP, alkaline phosphatase or simply ALP. When high activity alkaline phosphatase, liver disease is likely, which is accompanied by obstruction of the biliary tract. Alcohol abuse (as it destroys hepatocytes). In case of bone diseases, calcium-phosphorus metabolism is disrupted and the activity of this enzyme increases. Therefore, phosphatase serves as one of the markers early detection pathology skeletal system women in menopause (osteoporosis), and children (rickets).

Reasons for increased phosphatase

Physiological reasons for enzyme elevation:

active growth of bone tissue (possibly a 20-fold increase in children, as well as after fractures);
pregnancy 70-250 U/l;
lactation.

Pathological reasons:

Bone disease: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteopetrosis, osteosarcoma, bone metastases, rickets. With the latter, enzyme levels rise 4-6 weeks before symptoms appear.
Diseases of the liver and biliary tract:

obstruction or obstruction of the biliary tract, 3-5 times increase in phosphatase levels;
hepatitis of various etiologies (viral, toxic) 200-400 U/l;
oncopathology (hepatocarcinoma, liver metastases) 200-500 U/l;
cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis;
kidney disease;
chronic renal failure;
malignant kidney tumor.

Other reasons:

Paget's disease (osteitis deformans);
hyperparathyroidism;
lymphogranulomatosis;
mononucleosis;
sepsis;
ischemia of the intestinal wall;
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis;
acromegaly;

Causes of decreased alkaline phosphatase

nutritional;
placental insufficiency;
hypothyroidism;
hypophosphatasemia;
vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency;
lack of growth hormone in children.

Learn more about some diseases and their effect on alkaline phosphatase levels.

Osteoporosis

During menopause, women begin to actively “wash out” calcium from the bones, therefore, the bones become more brittle and brittle, which means they lead to an increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase. Even before development clinical picture rise biochemical parameters blood. Therefore, an increase in this enzyme can be regarded as early sign osteoporosis and use as a screening.

Liver diseases and impact on indicators.

An increase in the hepatic alkali phosphatase isoenzyme occurs due to the death of hepatocytes. The reason for this may be hepatitis, both viral and toxic, liver cirrhosis, alcohol poisoning, while taking hepatotoxic drugs (tetracycline, paracetamol, salicylates, etc.).

There is also cholestatic cause increasing the enzyme. Cholestasis or obstruction of the flow of bile, possibly due to extrahepatic obstruction of the bile ducts, damage or narrowing of the ducts, or disruption of the transport of bile through the small bile ducts.

Considering the data of scientists, in 65% of cases, the rise in alkaline phosphatase is due to liver disease.

The effect of oral contraceptives on the level of enzyme in the blood

Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progesterone can change phosphatase levels.

Oncological diseases

Cervical cancer is capable of producing placental phosphatase. Osteogenic sarcoma sharply increases enzyme activity. Metastases to bone tissue, liver, kidneys, lymphogranulomatosis with bone damage, multiple myeloma also contribute to an increase in phosphatase levels.

Indicators during pregnancy. Normally, during pregnancy, starting from the 16th week, the level of placental isoenzyme phosphatase increases in a woman’s body. If the level of the enzyme in the blood decreases, placental insufficiency can be suspected.

Reasons to measure alkaline phosphatase levels

Since the causes of increased alkaline phosphatase are found in almost every organ, then specific symptoms, which indicate an increase in this particular enzyme, no. However, some of them can be noted:

headache;
bitterness in the mouth;
jaundice, subicteric sclera, It's a dull pain in the right hypochondrium, itchy skin, discoloration of stool, darkening of urine, general weakness nausea (indicates stagnation of bile);
bone disease frequent fractures, bone pain;
sudden loss of body weight.

How to get your numbers back to normal

When the patient’s condition stabilizes, biochemical parameters also normalize. To prevent osteoporosis, it is necessary to remember to take calcium supplements with vitamin D in postmenopausal women and women over 50 years of age. Moreover, vitamin D is required, since after 50 in the body, under the influence sun rays on the skin, it is no longer synthesized, unlike children and young people.

Alkaline phosphatase levels should be assessed in conjunction with other tests, such as: ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, bilirubin, creatine kinase with alkaline phosphatase. Given these data, liver function can be easily assessed.

We are the architects of our own health. It is our duty to ourselves and our loved ones to look after and cherish him. At the slightest symptoms If you have a disease, don’t rely on the almighty “to go away on its own,” but rush to see a doctor. Be healthy!

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a parameter of a biochemical blood test that patients usually indifferently overlook due to its “incomprehensibility.” More attention is paid to parameters with familiar, familiar names - total protein, urea, glucose, general choleste
rin. Meanwhile, ALP in biochemical analysis– a very important marker that can tell a diagnostician a lot about the patient’s health status.

What is alkaline phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme (a special substance without which the course of biochemical reactions in the human body will become impossible; in inorganic chemistry, another word is used in the same meaning - catalyst). ALP is an enzyme from the group of hydrolases. Hydrolases are a large family of enzymes whose distinctive ability is to break the intramolecular bonds of various organic compounds with the help of water molecules. Total hydrolase 6 large groups: phosphatases, glycosidases, esterases, lipases, peptidases, nucleases.

Classification of phosphatases

In biochemistry, phosphatases are divided into two types - acidic and alkaline. The conditional midpoint of the hydrogen ion concentration index in “PH” solutions for humans will be 5.5 ( absolute value– 5.0). Less than 5.5 is an acidic environment, the location of acid phosphatase activity. More than 5.5 – alkaline environment, the location of alkaline phosphatase activity. Human alkaline phosphatases exhibit the greatest activity in the range of 8.5-10.0 pH index.

ALP is the most abundant enzyme in the human body and can be found in any tissue of the human body. Human alkaline phosphatase is not one homogeneous enzyme, but a group of biologically active substances, having a common generic affiliation, they at the same time differ from each other in the selectivity of their effect on a certain type of cell.

Subtypes (isoforms) of human alkaline phosphatase:

ALPI – intestinal;
ALPL – nonspecific (located in liver, bone and kidney tissues);
ALPP – placental.

Although a biochemical blood test can detect any subtype of alkaline phosphatase, clinical studies another one can be used, alternative method analysis – “kinetic colorimetric method”. Its undoubted advantage will be the clear differentiation of enzymes into classes and isoforms. There is no point in contrasting methods; each method has its own advantages.

Functions of ALP in the human body

The main function of ALP is to participate in phosphorus-calcium metabolism, the enzyme promotes the transport of phosphorus to the body tissues, thus regulating the calcium content in the human body.
Secondary functions of alkaline phosphatase are participation in the secretory function of the liver and bone tissue growth. Bile, produced by liver cells, contains molecules of phospholipids, alkaloids, proteins, nucleotides - organic compounds containing phosphatases. They ended up in the bile because the body did not have time to use them and protect them. ALP helps separate phosphatase from these compounds, breaks them down, performing a double useful function– neutralizes and utilizes these substances. Osteoblast cells, responsible for the “construction” of bone tissue, contain the most ALP in the body after the liver. These cells need alkaline phosphatase to structure calcium molecules in bone tissue - the phosphatase supplied by alkaline phosphatase acts as a catalyst for this process.

What role do phosphorus and calcium play in the human body?

Calcium and Phosphorus are two inseparable chemical elements in human body. Their connection is dialectical in nature - one element determines the digestibility of the other. Vitamin D, alkaline and acid phosphatases mediate this process. The approximate ratio of phosphorus to calcium in the body is 1:3.5 (for an adult this is 650 g of phosphorus and 2200 g of calcium).

This chemical element– the most important building material from which the human body builds itself. Calcium is a component of bones, teeth, muscle tissue. With the help of calcium, nails are formed and strengthened smooth muscle blood vessels. In nature, there is a structural double of calcium – strontium. This metal, in case of calcium deficiency, becomes its substitute. As a building material, strontium is significantly inferior to calcium, and therefore tissues consisting of strontium will be inferior to those made on the basis of calcium - blood vessels, nails, teeth will become fragile and brittle, muscles will lose some of their tone, various growths and processes will appear on the bones. It is not the excess of calcium that is to blame for the deposition of so-called “salts” in the bones, but, on the contrary, the deficiency - the body compensates for the missing calcium with strontium, which, as a rule, is always in excess.

Attention! To absorb calcium, you need phosphorus; a lack of phosphorus leads to a decrease in the absorption of calcium and, accordingly, the level of this chemical element rapidly decreases in the body. The absorption of strontium requires much less phosphorus than the absorption of calcium. Therefore, in case of a lack of phosphorus, the body switches to an economical mode, forming its tissues from what it has, and not from what it needs.

Phosphorus

After calcium, phosphorus is the most important building material. This chemical element is part of bones, teeth, fats (phospholipids), enzymes and proteins.

Phosphorus is the most important participant in energy metabolism in the human body. This organic compound, like ATP, breaking down into ADP, gives the human body the energy necessary for its existence.

DNA and RNA molecules, which are responsible for storing and transmitting temporal and hereditary information, contain phosphate groups that ensure the stability of their structure.

Attention! A normal level of phosphorus in the body will reduce the risk of rheumatoid factor, will reduce the likelihood of arthritis and arthrosis, ensure clarity and purity of thinking, and reduce the pain threshold.

ALP norms in children and adults

To understand what the numbers mean in alkaline phosphatase values in a biochemical blood test, you need to know the normal range, according to which it will be possible to determine elevated and reduced value content of this enzyme.

children from 8 to 10 years old – 150-355 U/l;
children from 10 to 19 years old – 158-500 U/l;
adults under 50 years of age – 85-120 U/l;
adults from 50 to 75 years old – 110-138 U/l;
people over 75 years old - from 168-188 U/l.

Possible pathologies associated with changes in the ALP norm in the results of a biochemical blood test

Before moving on to reviewing possible pathological reasons changes in ALP levels in biochemical analysis, we note several significant features that patients need to know.

Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in children. IN children's body rapid metabolic processes associated with the growth of the body occur. Considering the role that alkaline phosphatase plays in the human body - the growth of bone tissue, the stabilization of liver function - it is not surprising that there is a lot of this enzyme in the child’s blood. Naturally than younger age child, the more active such processes are. Finishing hormonal changes body at 17-19 years old (men) and 15-17 years old (women), the level of ALP in the human body begins to decrease. After 24-25 years, ALP in the human body is used not so much for tissue growth as for maintaining their health.

Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in women during gestation - the formation of the fetus in a woman’s body requires significant amount various substances– microelements, proteins, fats, which, accordingly, causes an increase in the number of enzymes responsible for their digestibility. Therefore, the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood of a pregnant woman increases.

Important! A high level of alkaline phosphatase in children and pregnant women is completely natural; we are not talking about pathology in such cases.

Elevated alkaline phosphatase

Given the fact that alkaline phosphatase is found most abundantly in bone and liver cells, an elevated level of this enzyme will indicate high probability the fact that problems exist with the liver and bone tissue - the death of liver cells, the breakdown of bone tissue will release excess of this enzyme into the blood. All kinds of liver diseases (hepatitis of various etiologies, liver injuries) and bone tissue (ostitis of various etiologies, bone injuries and fractures) will become the main suspects for a diagnostician who sees a high level of ALP in a patient’s test results. In addition to the indicated pathologies, high level There may be quite banal reasons for alkaline phosphatase in a patient’s blood, for example, a lack of phosphorus and calcium in the diet.