What is Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Value? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Mar 25, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
The Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) test is a test that measures the amount of GGT in your blood.
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase is an enzyme that plays a role in the transportation of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, into cells. It also prevents cell damage thanks to its intracellular antioxidant effect.
GGT is mainly found in kidney, liver and pancreatic cells. It is also found in small amounts in other tissues. Although it is mostly found in the kidney, the highest activation is in the liver. Therefore, it is generally used in the diagnosis of diseases related to the liver and bile duct.
The GGT test cannot diagnose the specific cause of liver disease. For this reason it is often done in conjunction with other liver function tests such as ALP, ALT, AST, LDH and bilirubin.
What is A Normal Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Value in Blood Test ?
The normal value of GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase) may vary depending on laboratories and clinical standards of countries. But there are generally different reference ranges for men and women. In addition, normal values may differ depending on age, gender and the measurement method used by the laboratory. Typically used reference ranges are:
• 8-51 IU/L for men
• 5-33 IU/L for women
What is High Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Value in Blood Test?
High Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in a blood test is a value above 51 IU/L for men and 33 IU/L for women.
If the GGT value is high, it means that the liver is damaged for some reason and the GGT enzyme enters the bloodstream. The higher the GGT value, the greater the damage.
What Causes High Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Value in Blood Test?
High GGT levels may be a sign of liver damage. Damage may result from one of the following situations:
Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Alcohol use disorder
Smoking
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Cholestasis (blocked liver bile duct)
Pancreatitis
Diabetes
Liver ischemia
Liver cancer
Congestive heart failure
Some medications
High Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Symptoms
Since high GGT is caused by a liver-related disorder, the symptoms are liver-related.
Fatigue
Weakness
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain or swelling
Nausea and vomiting
How to Treat High Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Level?
Treatment of increased Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) depends on the underlying cause and does not always require treatment. In addition to blood tests, your doctor may also use various urine tests and imaging methods such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance or tomography to make the correct diagnosis. High GGT levels are often associated with liver or bile duct problems. Therefore, it is important to follow the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare professional and make recommended lifestyle changes. Limiting or quitting alcohol and cigarette consumption, eating a healthy diet and exercising are factors that can reduce GGT levels. However, it is important to remember that treatment for high GGT depends on a person's specific health condition and should be done under the guidance of a doctor.
What is Low Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in Blood Test?
Low Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in a blood test is a value of less than 5 IU/L for women and less than 8 IU/L for men.
If the GGT value is low, it means that the production or release of the GGT enzyme in the body is reduced. Damage to liver cells or bile ducts can affect GGT production.
What Causes Low Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in Blood Test?
Some possible factors that cause low GGT include:
Malnutrition: In cases of protein deficiency or malnutrition, GGT levels may decrease due to decreased protein production in the body.
Liver Problems: In rare cases, GGT levels may decrease in cases of severe liver damage or liver failure. This condition is caused by liver cells not producing enough GGT.
Genetic Factors: Some people may have low GGT levels and this may be due to genetic factors.
Medications: Some medications can lower GGT levels. Therefore, it should be considered that low GGT levels may be a side effect.
Low Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Symptoms
Lack of energy
Weakness
Stomach and digestive problems
Jaundice
Itching
Dark urine
How to Treat Low Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Level?
Treatment for low GGT depends on the underlying cause and does not always require treatment. Your doctor may order additional tests for a correct diagnosis. After a definitive diagnosis, an appropriate treatment protocol is applied. Treatment can be supported by paying attention to nutrition and exercise, and staying away from alcohol and cigarettes, under the supervision of a doctor.