GGT, the alcohol-sensitive enzyme Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
A liver enzyme that reacts to alcohol and to some medicines.
Also printed asGGT · GGTP · Gamma GT · Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase · GGT Activity
What it measures
The liver enzyme most responsive to alcohol, medicines and bile flow.
Confirms or rules out an alcohol explanation for raised liver enzymes, and independently tracks metabolic and heart risk.
Why it matters for how long you stay well
It is the earliest and most sensitive alcohol signal on the panel, and cutting back moves it within weeks, which makes it one of the most rewarding numbers to watch.
How it shows up in daily life
It is the number that notices a regular evening drink, even when you would not call the amount heavy.
High and low readings
When it reads high
Alcohol, fatty liver, or certain medicines.
When it reads low
Low is fine.
What moves it
Daily life
- alcohol, and how regularly rather than how much
- a liver holding extra fat
- weight around your middle
- some medicines, which switch on the same enzyme system
Medicines known to shift it
- statins (can raise it)
Listed so a result can be read in context. It is not advice to start, stop or change any medicine; that decision belongs with your physician.
Read it with
Markers that move this one, or that this one moves. One number read alone can mislead.
- ALT, the liver-specific enzymeObserved association
As this rises, ALT moves with it
GGT and ALT both climb when the liver is holding extra fat, so they tend to move as a pair. A raised GGT on its own points somewhere else.
- AST to ALT patternObserved association
As this rises, AST to ALT pattern moves with it
A raised GGT beside a pattern above two is the combination that points at alcohol. Fat in the liver makes a different shape altogether.
Common questions
What does Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase measure?
The liver enzyme most responsive to alcohol, medicines and bile flow. Confirms or rules out an alcohol explanation for raised liver enzymes, and independently tracks metabolic and heart risk.
What does a high GGT result usually mean?
Alcohol, fatty liver, or certain medicines.
What does a low GGT result usually mean?
Low is fine.
What is the usual reference range for GGT?
A broad adult reference band is 8–61 U/L. For women the band is 5–36 U/L. Labs differ, so read your result against the band printed on your own report.
Educational only, not a diagnosis. A single number means little without your history and the rest of your panel, so discuss your own results with your physician.
Typical adult reference band
- Men
- 8–61 U/L
- Women
- 5–36 U/L
Labs differ. The band printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
Reported in U/L
Ageing relevance
4/5
A strong independent predictor of illness and mortality in large cohorts.
Worth knowing
Regular alcohol switches on the enzyme system that makes it, which is why it is the most sensitive alcohol signal in the whole panel.
Have a report with this marker on it? Read it in context.
Upload it to Oraia, our health-intelligence tool, for a plain-language read of your markers that a Genoryx doctor can review.
Your biological age is a number you can measure.
Start with the 400+ parameter entry assessment and a 60-minute physician consultation at either Hyderabad clinic. Open seven days, 11 AM to 9 PM.
Book a consultation