Liver system

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

ALT

A liver enzyme — the primary marker of liver cell injury.

What is it

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) — in plain English.

ALT is an enzyme found primarily in liver cells. When liver cells are injured, ALT is released into the blood, making it a primary marker of hepatocellular injury.

Why it's measured

What ALT can reveal.

Elevated ALT has been associated with fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and medication-related liver injury in published research.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

< 40 U/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

Where does your number land?

Drag to your own ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) result.

Educational only, not a diagnosis. Ranges vary by laboratory. See which panel includes ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase).

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower ALT — at a high level.

Elevated

Has been associated with hepatocellular injury including fatty liver disease and viral hepatitis in research literature.

Lower

Is generally considered favorable.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When ALT is typically run.

Part of every standard liver panel and routine physical.

Related markers

Often measured alongside ALT.

Common questions

Questions people ask about ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

What is ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)?

ALT is an enzyme found primarily in liver cells. When liver cells are injured, ALT is released into the blood, making it a primary marker of hepatocellular injury.

Why is ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) measured?

It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.

How is ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) tested?

It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

What should I do with my ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) result?

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.

Not sure which panel is right for you?

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.

Training and this marker

ALT is more liver-specific than AST, and it tends to track liver fat. Regular resistance training and reduced body fat are both associated with lower ALT over time. Intense unaccustomed exercise can still raise it acutely, so timing relative to a draw matters. If you want a structured place to start, the training library lists every programme we publish by days per week and equipment.

Measured in

ALT is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Find the right panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
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This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.

Weight-loss medication disclaimer

OPTML offers compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, prescribed and overseen by U.S.-licensed physicians. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. OPTML is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the manufacturers of FDA-approved branded weight-loss medications, and does not sell or supply those branded products. Anyone interested in an FDA-approved branded medication should consult a licensed healthcare provider or pharmacist. Individual results vary; no specific result is promised, and weight management requires ongoing medical guidance.

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