ALAT Meaning
ALAT is a substance made by the liver. ALAT stands for alanine aminotransferase and is a biomarker belonging to the group of liver enzymes. Together with ASAT, ALAT forms another separate group called the serum transaminases. When liver cells are damaged, ALAT enters the blood.
The value of ALAT should always be interpreted together with the other liver enzymes to make a statement about the functioning of the liver (and bile ducts).
Causes of Abnormal ALAT Values
There are numerous causes that can cause abnormal ALAT. Some common ones are: an infection of the liver with hepatitis or epstein barr virus, for example; excessive consumption of alcohol or use of certain type of medication. The cause of elevated ALAT can also be outside the liver. For example, elevated ALAT is often seen in patients with (severe) heart problems and in patients with a thyroid gland that works too slowly (hypothyroidism).
ALAT Values in Men
Here is an overview of ALAT levels in men, so you can see when your ALAT level is normal or high.
- Normal:
- Age 18-100 years: An ALAT value between 0 and 47.5 U/L is considered normal. This indicates healthy liver function.
- Cautious:
- Age 18-100 years: Values between 47.5 and 50 U/L still fall within normal, but are at the upper limit. This may require attention if other liver enzymes are also elevated.
- High:
- Age 18-100 years: An ALAT value above 50 U/L is considered abnormal and too high. Further interpretation is then required in combination with other liver enzymes to determine the cause.
ALAT Values in Women
Here is an overview of ALAT levels in women, so you can see when your ALAT level is normal or high.
- Normal:
- Age 18-100 years: An ALAT value between 0 and 33.25 U/L is considered normal and indicates good liver function.
- Age:
- Age 18-100 years: Values between 33.25 and 35 U/L are still within normal, but are at the upper limit. This may require extra attention with elevated values of other liver enzymes.
- High:
- Age 18-100 years: An ALAT value above 35 U/L is considered abnormal and too high. Interpretation then depends on other liver values to further investigate possible causes.
ALAT Values in Men (in table)
You can also find the ALAT values for men and women in tabular form below.
Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | U/L | 0 - 47.5 | 18 - 100 | Man | The ALAT is good. |
Take care | U/L | 47.5 - 50 | 18 - 100 | Man | ALAT is still within normal values, but is on the high side. |
Not normal | U/L | 50 - 5000 | 18 - 100 | Man | ALAT falls outside normal values and is too high. Interpretation depends on the other liver enzymes. |
ALAT Values in Woman (in table)
Resultaat | Unit | Waarde min-max | Leeftijd | Geslacht | Biomarker interpretatie |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | U/L | 0 - 33.25 | 18 - 100 | Vrouw | The ALAT is good. |
Take care | U/L | 33.25 - 35 | 18 - 100 | Vrouw | ALAT is still within normal values, but is on the high side. |
Not normal | U/L | 35 - 5000 | 18 - 100 | Vrouw | The ALAT is too high. Interpretation depends on the other liver enzymes. |