# GGT

Source: https://synapse-lifestyle.com/en/reference-guide/biomarkers/ggt

Unit: U/L

## What is GGT?

GGT is a liver and bile-duct enzyme that's especially sensitive to alcohol and fatty liver. It's often the first liver marker to respond to how you've been living lately. A low value goes together with a calm liver and a supple metabolism.

## Clinical frame

**GGT is a sensitive but non-specific liver marker** that is often raised in metabolic fatty liver. A raised GGT is associated with hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation [1] [3].

GGT is, however, **not specific to fatty liver** and can also rise with alcohol use, cholestasis and certain medication. The value must therefore always be interpreted together with other liver values, metabolic parameters and the clinical context [2].

## What moves this value?

Alcohol, fat build-up in the liver and excess weight are the usual explanations for a higher value.

A spell with less alcohol, more movement and weight loss often brings this down clearly. Discuss a persistently high value with your doctor.

Developed and reviewed with the Synapse [medical advisory board](https://synapse-lifestyle.com/en/advisory-board).

## References

1. Fujii, H. et al. Frequently abnormal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity is associated with future development of fatty liver. BMC Gastroenterol 20, 217 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-020-01369-x
2. Brennan, P. N., Dillon, J. F. & Tapper, E. B. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT) – an old dog with new tricks? Liver Int 42, 9–15 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1111/liv.15099
3. Petta, S. et al. Serum γ-Glutamyl Transferase Levels, Insulin Resistance and Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases. PLoS One 7, e51165 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051165

- [Read more in the reference guide](https://synapse-lifestyle.com/en/reference-guide/metabolism#Consequence-CSLiver-FGGT)
- [All biomarkers in the guide](https://synapse-lifestyle.com/en/reference-guide#biomarkers)

The colour zones are personal: they depend on age, sex, risk and history, and appear in the patient's own report.

Insights to discuss with the patient, not a diagnostic instrument.