Why is ggt low

High levels of GGT usually indicate present disease or a higher risk of disease. Here we give a summary of the factors that increase levels of GGT. Several medications increase GGT levels and must be taken into consideration when interpreting test results. These include older anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine [ 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 ]. GGT levels are elevated following prolonged alcohol use.

As drinking increases, the level of GGT in the blood also rises [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Red meat intake over 10 years increased GGT levels [ 10 ]. Several clinical studies have found that elevated levels of thyroid hormone increased levels of GGT in patients with hyperthyroidism [ 84 , 74 ].

GGT is ultimately just a biomarker that indicates an underlying problem. Talk to your doctor to identify any underlying health conditions and determine the best strategies for treating those. Alcohol abuse increases GGT levels.

GGT is only slightly elevated in moderate drinkers, but the increase is relevant. The best way to lower GGT is to simply abstain from alcohol use. Many fruits and vegetables contain moderate to high amounts of natural antioxidants. Drinking coffee decreased GGT levels in 1, Japanese men independent of other risk factors [ 85 ].

Two other clinical studies, conducted in a total of 31k participants, found that coffee consumption only lowered GGT levels in alcohol-drinking males [ 86 , 87 ]. Red meat contains large amounts of heme iron, the most readily absorbed form of iron.

The same study that showed fruits and vegetables reduced GGT found that eating red meat over 10 years increased GGT levels [ 88 , 10 ]. Vegetarian iron contributes to overall iron levels in the body much less than meat sources. This is one reason that vegetarians sometimes suffer from iron deficiency or anemia [ 88 , 89 ].

One study of 10k participants found that moderate exercise walking was associated with decreased GGT levels in men , but not women [ 90 ]. Certain environmental pollutants such as lead, cadmium, dioxin, and organochlorine-containing pesticides increase GGT levels [ 92 ]. Six weeks of magnesium supplementation decreased levels of GGT in a group of chronic alcoholics. However, this was a small study and further research is needed [ 93 ].

The full range of functions for GGT is not known. It is a topic of continued scientific and clinical study. There are disease states such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism where clinical studies show conflicting conclusions regarding risk and elevated GGT levels. Further studies need to be done to determine if high GGT levels increase the risk of these diseases. This is mostly the case with GGT and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Rarely are low levels of GGT dangerous.

However, a few conditions are associated with abnormally low levels of GGT. There is very little risk to having a blood test.

You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. If your results show higher than normal levels of GGT, it may be a sign of liver damage.

The damage may be due to one of the following conditions:. The results can't show which condition you have, but it can help show how much liver damage you have. Usually, the higher the level of GGT, the greater the level of damage to the liver. If your results show you have low or normal levels of GGT, it means you probably don't have liver disease.

Your results may also be compared with the results of an ALP test. ALP tests help diagnose bone disorders. Together your results may show one of the following:. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. These include:. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Why is the GGT test done? How to prepare for the GGT test. How the GGT test is given. What do the results mean?

Is the GGT test always accurate? Risks of GGT tests. Long-term outlook. Liver Pain. Read this next. Liver Function Tests. Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Medically reviewed by Modern Weng, DO. Why Is My Urine Dark? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. What's Causing Your Itchy Skin? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

Liver Cleanse: Separating Fact from Fiction. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. If it is your case, visit your doctor. A low GGT level in the blood can be due to a magnesium deficiency. The following foods are rich in magnesium and can help you to increase the GGT level:. They are an example of a healthy man of about 45 years old with no known disease and not taking any medication. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances. Anemia Autoimmune diseases Cancer Childhood diseases.

Hematology Infectious diseases Inflammatory diseases Kidney diseases. Liver diseases Metabolic disorders Rheumatology Urinalysis. Blood test. Written by. Medically reviewed by Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.

What is low GGT level in the blood called?