What causes elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels?
Aug 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Long-term heavy alcohol consumption causes damage to liver cells due to alcohol and its metabolite acetaldehyde, leading to the release of alanine aminotransferase from the injured hepatocytes. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Complete abstinence from alcohol is usually required, and medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, silybin capsules, and vitamin B6 tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels may be caused by strenuous exercise, frequent late nights, alcoholic liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or viral hepatitis. If abnormal levels are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Strenuous exercise: Engaging in high-intensity physical activity within a short period significantly increases the body's energy consumption and accelerates liver cell metabolism, which may temporarily elevate ALT levels. It is recommended to plan exercise intensity appropriately and allow adequate rest after physical activity for the levels to gradually return to normal.
2. Frequent late nights: Long-term disruption of the circadian rhythm and insufficient sleep prevent the liver from obtaining sufficient rest, affecting its metabolic function and leading to elevated ALT levels. Adjusting sleep schedules and ensuring adequate nightly rest can help reduce the burden on the liver.
3. Alcoholic liver injury: Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption damages liver cells due to alcohol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, causing the release of ALT. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Complete abstinence from alcohol is typically required, and medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, silymarin capsules, and vitamin B6 tablets may be prescribed under a doctor's guidance.
4. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Accumulation of excess fat in the liver compresses liver cells and impairs their function, leading to elevated ALT levels. Symptoms often include obesity and fatigue. Doctors may recommend medications such as orlistat capsules, compound glycyrrhinate tablets, and reduced glutathione tablets.
5. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis viruses invade and replicate within liver cells, damaging their structure and causing a significant release of ALT into the bloodstream. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and liver area pain. Doctors may prescribe medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, or interferon alpha-2b injection.
In daily life, maintaining a light diet, avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular liver function tests are recommended. If elevated ALT levels persist or are accompanied by other discomforts, timely medical consultation is advised.
