What is GGT?

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a cell surface enzyme. It is located throughout the human body with the highest levels being in the kidneys, intestines, liver, prostate gland, and gallbladder. Smaller amounts are found in the pancreas, lungs, testis, and thyroid gland. The liver produces most of the GGT in the blood [R, R, R].

GGT is elevated in liver/biliary tract disease or as a result of moderate to excessive alcohol consumption.

Higher GGT levels also increase the risk of several diseases and may point to health problems. This article will cover the functions of GGT, its role in diagnosing or predicting disease, and ways to lower GGT levels in the body.

Function

The primary function of GGT is the breakdown and recycling of glutathione, the most important antioxidant in the human body [R, R].

It increases the number of available amino acids (especially cysteine), that are used to make glutathione inside the cell [R].

GGT is also involved in:

• Breaking down drugs and toxins
• Forming amino acids important for the brain and heart (gamma-glutamyl-taurine to taurine)
• Transforming inflammatory molecules (leukotriene C4 to leukotriene D4) [R, R]

Normal GGT Levels

Tests for GGT measure the level of the enzyme in the blood. Age, gender, exercise, weight, pregnancy, diet, and medications can all influence GGT levels in the body [R, R, R].

The reference ranges for GGT levels vary between sources and laboratories. Normal levels are dependent on age and sex. Generally, they are higher in adult males than in adult females. The reference ranges based on 1,160 alcohol abstainers are organized below (one retrospective meta-analysis and one clinical study) [R, R]:

The risk for heart disease increases around the middle of what is considered a “normal” range for both males and females (prospective clinical studies). Therefore, optimal levels of GGT are below the reference range midpoint (based on age and gender).

High GGT Levels

Elevated levels of GGT point to high glutathione use in the body and

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