Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme which, in humans, is vital to liver function and development of the skeleton.In humans, there are three different sub types which indicate where he enzyme was created. The level of the enzyme in the blood is an important diagnostic marker for liver function and bone diseases, although abnormal levels can be caused by other diseases as well. The normal range of alkaline phosphatase varies with age, gender and blood type.
A higher than normal level usually indicates a bile duct obstruction, bone conditions, liver disease, leukemia, sarcoidosis, hyperthyroidism or pregnancy (as the placenta creates the enzyme).
Lower than normal levels indicates malnutrition, anemia or some genetic conditions.