Enzymes present in the liver are called transaminases, and their values can be detected in the body with a blood test. The liver is one of the fundamental organs we have since it is responsible for essential functions such as glycogen storage, protein synthesis, cholesterol, phospholipids, and fatty acids, responsible for detoxifying the body and bile formation, among others.
Therefore, it is essential to have adequate levels of transaminases for the liver to function correctly. There are two groups of transaminases, aspartate transaminase, known by the acronym (GOT) or (AST), and alanine transaminase, called (GPT) or (ALT).
ASTs are found in various organs, including the liver and inside cells, while ALTs are mainly present in the liver. The average amounts are 10 to 45 units per liter of blood, in men, with GOT and 10 to 43 of GPT, while in women, they are 5 to 31 units per liter of the blood of GOT and 5 to 36 GPT. The levels below normal transaminases can indicate health problems; for this reason, FastlyHealwill addresses the causes of low transaminases.
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Vitamin B6 deficiency
Vitamin B6 is categorized as a water-soluble vitamin; this means that it dissolves in water, and the body cannot store it. This vitamin is essential for the body because it is responsible for producing antibodies and hemoglobin, maintaining the correct blood sugar levels, and controlling neurological function constantly every day, among others.
Having a vitamin B6 deficiency is one of the causes of low transaminases, both GPT and GOT. This can happen to pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding or growing children since they are the people who need more protein and often do not consume enough.
I am eating an improper diet.
Many people may eat 3 or 4 meals a day but do not eat healthy foods rich in nutrients and proteins that have many benefits for the body.
Amino acids are essential for proteins, and humans produce 10 to 20 types of amino acids; the rest must be obtained through a good diet. If a diet lacks proteins, which are essential for the body, the body cannot make globulin or albumin. This causes a low level of nutrients, proteins, and enzymes like transaminases.
Bowel diseases
Some bowel disorders can lower blood levels of nutrients, proteins, and enzymes. However, the number of transaminases may decrease in only one group and increase in the other. This happens because changes in the intestines reduce the body’s ability to absorb the properties of food, causing the amounts of different substances in the body and the blood to be altered.
Diseases that affect the intestines in this way include Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and Whipple’s disease. In addition, kidney disorders that can cause damage to the filtration system in the kidneys can also alter both groups of transaminases.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an infection transmitted by different routes, either by coming into contact with the blood of a person infected with the virus, intravenously in the case of drug use, by having unprotected sexual intercourse, or mother to fetus. In other cases, it may be due to an organ transplant.
This disorder can cause damage to the liver, causing it to become inflamed and stop working correctly, and can lead to cirrhosis over time. Therefore, hepatitis C is another cause that can vary transaminase levels.
Other liver disorders
Albumin is produced in the liver, and transaminases, mainly those of the ALT group, are present in this organ, so the levels of these enzymes vary when there is some alteration in the liver. If the liver disease causes damage to the cells located in the liver, they will be unable to perform their function. They will not be able to synthesize the protein albumin, which will cause the levels to be inadequate.
Immunodeficiency
The immune system functions optimally depending on the protein and nutrient values being in the right amounts, mainly of the protein called globulin. When there is an immune deficiency, not only does the amount of globulin decrease, but also all kinds of proteins and enzymes, such as transaminases.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.