Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme-catalyst that shows maximum activity in an alkaline environment. Alkaline phosphatase is present in all tissues of the body, but most of it is contained in bones, liver, intestinal mucosa, and in women, in addition, in the mammary glands. The test for determining the level of the enzyme in the blood is included in the standard study with routine examinations, preparation for operations, and even with a number of indications. The norm of alkaline phosphatase depends on the person's age and sex, but in some cases an increase or decrease in the index relative to the physiological norm is detected.
Reduced alkaline phosphatase in the blood
If alkaline phosphatase is lowered, then this is a signal that there are serious disorders in the body that should be treated. Among the reasons why alkaline phosphatase is lowered:
- severe degree of anemia;
- hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland;
- hypophosphatase is a congenital disease leading to softening of the bone tissue;
- age-related osteoporosis ;
- cretinism;
- a deficiency in the body of vitamin C, B6, B12, folic acid, magnesium and zinc.
In pregnant women, alkaline phosphatase is decreased in placental insufficiency. Sometimes a decrease in the enzyme level in the blood is a consequence of taking medications that affect the liver.
Attention! The level of alkaline phosphatase may not correspond to the norm and in quite healthy people, in connection with which a comprehensive examination is conducted for the diagnosis.
What if the alkaline phosphatase is lowered?
As already noted, reduced alkaline phosphatase is observed in a number of diseases. To bring the indicators back to normal, they conduct complex therapy aimed at treating the underlying disease. If the low level of the enzyme is the result of deficiency of vitamins and elements, then the consumption of foods with a rich content of these substances is recommended:
- If vitamin C is deficient, more raw onion, citrus, black currant should be consumed.
- The lack of B vitamins is an indication to include in the daily diet red meat varieties, a variety of vegetables and fruits.
- Magnesium is found in nuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, beans, lentils, and chocolate.
- Containing zinc products - poultry, meat, cheese, soy, seafood.
- Folic acid is abundant in greenery, various kinds of cabbage, legumes.
To eliminate the deficiency of substances, vitamin complexes can be used.