Liver
11 markers in this category
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that in adults comes from two tissues. Those are the bile ducts inside the liver, and bone. For anyone training hard, that second source is the interesting one. Bone tissue is continuously broken down and rebuilt, and the enzyme is released during that rebuilding. This value is therefore not a measure of muscle damage. That is a common misreading on a report full of training markers. This page sets out what the value does and does not tell you about a trained body.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
The ALT value measures alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme that sits mainly in the liver. For anyone who trains, that is good news. ALT is far more liver-specific than AST, which also comes from muscle tissue. A raised ALT value in athletes is therefore less often a training artefact.<br><br>In men the reference range runs to 45 u/l, in women to 34 u/l. Even so, heavy or unaccustomed training does lift ALT. The timing of the draw therefore decides what you measure.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
If you train seriously, your AST is almost never purely a liver value. The AST enzyme leaks from any damaged cell. Skeletal muscle supplies it for days after a hard session. So the result depends heavily on where in your training block you draw blood. 35 u/l after a heavy leg day is not the same as 35 after a deload. This page covers the timing of the draw. Then you will read how AST, ALT, CK and gamma-GT separate muscle from liver.
Albumin
Albumin indicates liver health and protein balance, both essential for physical recovery and performance. Low albumin can affect training capacity and recovery.
Amylase
Amylase supports carbohydrate digestion, which is essential for physical fuelling. Monitoring pancreatic enzymes helps ensure optimal nutrient absorption for performance.
Bilirubin (Direct)
Direct bilirubin reflects liver processing efficiency, which is important for active individuals managing high-protein diets, supplements, and intense training loads. Monitoring helps ensure your liver is effectively supporting recovery and nutrient metabolism.
Bilirubin (Total)
Total bilirubin reflects liver health, which is critical for active individuals processing high training loads, performance supplements, and protein-rich diets. Monitoring helps ensure your liver is effectively supporting recovery and metabolic demands.
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
GGT is a sensitive liver enzyme that active individuals should monitor, particularly when using performance supplements or following intensive training programmes. Certain supplements and high training loads can influence GGT levels, making it an important marker for liver health in active individuals.
LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
LDH is an enzyme found in nearly every tissue of your body. That includes heart and skeletal muscle. Its full name is lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This test measures the amount of LDH in the blood. As soon as cells break down, LDH is released into the bloodstream. For anyone training hard, that matters directly. A heavy session damages muscle fibres, so your LDH value rises temporarily. That rise belongs to the recovery process. It says nothing about your liver, even though LDH often sits in a liver panel. So always read the result alongside your CK and AST.
Lipase
Lipase is essential for fat digestion and energy metabolism, making it relevant for active individuals who rely on efficient nutrient absorption. Monitoring lipase helps ensure the pancreas is functioning optimally to support high-fat recovery meals and performance nutrition.
Liver Function Test (LFT)
A liver function test is essential for active individuals who place high demands on their body. Intense training, high-protein diets, and performance supplements are all processed by the liver, making regular comprehensive screening important for sustainable physical performance.