What is alkaline phosphatase (ALP)?
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an important enzyme found throughout the body including the intestines, kidneys, liver, bones, and in the placenta of pregnant women. However, the bone and liver contain the highest concentrations of ALP in the body because they are the organs that greatly manufacture the enzyme. ALP is needed in liver physiology and bone development. (1) The blood contains ALP, which amount is maintained at a particular range of values. Gradual increase or decrease in blood ALP can indicate problems in the liver or bones. However, there are people that have high blood ALP but don’t have any liver or bone problems. They are children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Blood ALP is high in children and adolescents because their bones are growing. High blood ALP is natural to pregnant women because ALP is needed by the developing fetus.
