From the Research
Elevated Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levels should be managed by addressing the underlying cause, with a focus on lifestyle modifications and medical interventions to reduce liver damage and improve overall health, as indicated by the most recent study 1. The management of elevated GGT levels involves identifying and treating the specific condition causing the elevation.
- For alcohol-related elevations, complete abstinence from alcohol is essential, with improvements typically seen within 2-6 weeks of sobriety.
- For non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), weight loss of 7-10% of body weight through caloric restriction and regular exercise (150 minutes of moderate activity weekly) is recommended, as supported by a retrospective cohort study 2. Dietary changes should include reducing saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugary beverages while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Medications may be necessary for underlying conditions: metformin or pioglitazone for diabetes, statins for hyperlipidemia, and ursodeoxycholic acid (10-15 mg/kg/day) for certain cholestatic conditions, although the effectiveness of statins for NAFLD is still being researched 3.
- Antioxidants like vitamin E (800 IU daily) may help in non-diabetic NAFLD patients. Regular monitoring of liver function tests every 3-6 months is important to track progress.
- GGT elevations warrant attention because this enzyme is sensitive to oxidative stress and can indicate liver damage before other markers become abnormal, serving as an early warning sign of potential liver disease, as highlighted in a study on the accuracy of b-GGT fraction for NAFLD diagnosis 4. Additionally, a marked increase in GGT can be an indicator of drug-induced liver injury, even in cases where conventional diagnostic criteria are not met, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of medication side effects 1.