Does Vitamin D Lower ALP?
Yes, studies show a correlation between vitamin D levels and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Generally, higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower ALP levels.
Several studies indicate an inverse relationship between vitamin D and ALP levels. This means that as vitamin D levels increase, ALP levels tend to decrease. One study found a significant negative correlation (r = −0.501; P = 0.0001) between vitamin D and ALP, demonstrating this relationship. [^1] Conversely, lower vitamin D levels are often linked to higher ALP levels, particularly in cases of vitamin D deficiency. [^2, ^3] However, it's crucial to note that while a low ALP can sometimes be associated with vitamin D deficiency, it's not always the case, and low ALP can result from other causes. [^4] Furthermore, while high-dose vitamin D supplementation has shown improvement in ALP markers in some cases, such as with COVID-19 patients, [^7] excessive vitamin D can also lead to decreased ALP levels. [^5] The relationship is complex and not always straightforward. A low ALP in the presence of normal calcium and low phosphate can suggest a vitamin D metabolism problem. [^9]
- Inverse Correlation: Higher vitamin D often correlates with lower ALP.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Lower vitamin D is frequently associated with higher ALP, though not exclusively.
- High-Dose Supplementation: While generally leading to improved ALP markers in certain contexts [^7], exceptionally high doses can lower ALP levels. [^5]
- Complex Relationship: The relationship isn't simple, and other factors influence ALP levels.
Important Considerations
ALP levels are influenced by many factors beyond vitamin D. Therefore, interpreting ALP levels always requires considering a patient's overall health status and other relevant factors. A low ALP isn't solely indicative of high vitamin D, but is certainly one potential association.
[^1]: It was observed that with increase in serum 25 (OH) D levels, serum level of ionic calcium and phosphorous increased, and ALP level decreased. It denotes that there was a negative and significant correlation between Vitamin D and ALP [r = −0.501; P = 0.0001, Figure 2].
[^2]: The lower the vitamin D level, the higher both PTH and ALP levels. In those with mild, moderate, or severe vitamin D deficiency, PTH was higher… (from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9689845/)
[^3]: Although these courses of treatment support the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency, the relatively low ALP level was atypical… (from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3809733/)
[^4]: Low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can be a sign of several different conditions ... Rickets (softening of bones usually due to vitamin D deficiency) ... (from https://www.verywellhealth.com/alkaline-phosphatase-5076137)
[^5]: Excess vitamin D in your body can cause low ALP levels. Though it often takes a very large dose of supplemental Vit D to see this change… (from https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/low-alkaline-phosphatase/)
[^7]: High-dose vitamin D supplementation improved ALP markers among COVID-19 patients. More randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up times will be… (from https://jhpn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41043-023-00409-y)
[^9]: The combination of a normal serum calcium, low phosphate, and elevated alkaline phosphatase is suggestive of disturbed vitamin D metabolism. If creatinine… (from https://www.exeterlaboratory.com/test/25-oh-vitamin-d/)
