elevated sgot and sgpt

[Mike Gman]

I am almost 45, and just had my annual physical, and everything was pretty good except my liver function tests.  Here are my results: SGOT 146, SGPT 67.  Last year the same tests resulted in SGOT of 63 and ALT of 68, but I was on lipitor at that time, and the doctor took me off of it because he suspected it was causing the problem.  I have not taken any cholesterol meds in over a year.

My cholesterol is good but not great.  HDL 38, LDL 131.  I am overweight but muscular.  I am 5'9" and weigh 230, but my body fat % is only 15 %.  I am trying to lose down to about 200-210. I do not drink more than 1-2 alcoholic bevs per week, and rarely take pain relievers of any kind.  I have been taking a multivitamin, vitamin c, fish oil, and glucosamine on a daily basis.  I also have been taking an amino acid supplement called MAP, which contains all the amino acids.  I lift weights twice a week and do cardio 3 times a week.

My doctor said to drop all supplements for 2 weeks, and then get my blood tested again, that the supplements, especially the amino acids, could be causing the problem.  He said I could also be eating too much protein, but he suspects the supplements are the real cause.

Does that sound reasonable to you?  If not, what else could be causing the high levels? I am stressing out over this.

[meynardo]

A related discussion, high sgot was started.

[Gajendra435]

A related discussion, SGOT 63 was started.

[Mike Gman]

Back to normal in 2 weeks.  ALT 28, AST 27.  Must have been the amino acids.

[Mike Gman]

Forgot to mention that my triglycerides were 91, and my all other blood tests were in the middle of the normal ranges.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The suggested course of action sounds reasonable.  Repeating the tests off supplements and alcohol should be done.

I would also consider an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests to look for hepatitis.  

If the enzymes continue to rise (i.e. exceeding 3x the upper limit of normal), a liver biopsy can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_