Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Elevated SGOT & SGPT

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Liver - General


I started the Optifast liquid fasting diet and lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. After 5 weeks, my SGPT & SGOT levels became suddenly elevated (going from the normal range in the mid 20s to elevated readings of 69 & 44 respectively). I never had any previous problems with these enzymes. My triglyceride level also became elevated after it had previously dropped. It was explained to me that elevated SGPT & SGOT levels commonly result with this type of fasting diet and are the result of burning fat rapidly. I cannot find any information to confirm or refute this. Do you know whether the elevated SGPT & SGOT levels could be caused by the rapid fat burning process or by ketosis?

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Dear JEM,
The increased liver tests and triglycerides reflect alterations in your body's metabolism as a result of your 'starvation'. Fat is the major source of energy for the body. When all the fat stores are depleted, muscle is broken down as an energy store. Some of the muscle is converted to fat and deposited in the liver which is continually working and needs an energy supply. It is the fat deposition in the liver which is responsible for the increased liver tests. Ketosis is seen in starvation but I do not believe that it is the cause for your elevated liver tests. Rather, the ketosis is another result of the diminished caloric intake.

This information is presented for educational purposes only. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical issues.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: starvation, fatty liver
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