HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologyalanine aminotransferase (ALT)

What causes high ALT and serum ferritin along with digestive issues in a 21-year-old male?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 21-year-old son has elevated ALT (125 U/L) and elevated serum ferritin (665 micrograms/L). These levels may be higher now, as they were elevated but significantly lower three months ago. He also has slightly elevated creatinine and albumin. His urine is clear, but I am advised that his kidney function, although within acceptable limits, is poor for his age. He has looked and felt off-color for almost six months now. Sometimes grey and sometimes yellow, although his bilirubin and GGT are expected, and his eyes are not yellow.

He suffers from intermittent nausea, bloating, belching, and appetite loss, and his tummy looks swollen. He does not have hemochromatosis because his transferrin saturation is fine. He is tall and very lean. Blood tests, urine tests, and an ultrasound of the liver, kidneys, and abdomen are all clear. Anti-mitochondrial antibodies are negative. Anti-LKM antibodies, anti-smooth muscle antibodies, and anti-parietal cell antibodies are negative. C-reactive protein is fine, and I have been told he does not have hepatitis A, B, or C. I am very anxious to obtain a diagnosis for him, as he no longer leaves the house due to his symptoms, and I am worried that whatever it is that he has is progressing.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Albana Greca

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Albana Greca is a dedicated family physician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for patients of all ages. She focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to support long-term health and well-being. Dr. Greca has experience managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including lifestyle-related health concerns and routine family healthcare needs. Known for her caring and approachable nature, she believes in building strong patient relationships through clear communication and trust. Her goal is to help individuals and families achieve better health outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centered care.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I should rule out alcohol use or the use of any other drugs. If nothing, then you should get further diagnostic tests to determine the correct diagnosis. Unfortunately, we should consider all possible alternatives until we reach the final diagnosis. Then, try to find a way to persuade him and make him understand his current health situation and the best methods to find the definitive treatment.

Indeed, he requires further tests and has to start the treatment to reduce high ALT (alanine transaminase), along with healthy changes in diet and lifestyle habits.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At December 17, 2022
Reviewed At December 2, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Albana Greca is a dedicated family physician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for patients of all ages. She focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to support long-term health and well-being. Dr. Greca has experience managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including lifestyle-related health concerns and routine family healthcare needs. Known for her caring and approachable nature, she believes in building strong patient relationships through clear communication and trust. Her goal is to help individuals and families achieve better health outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centered care.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Albana Greca is a dedicated family physician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for patients of all ages. She focuses on preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to support long-term health and well-being. Dr. Greca has experience managing a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including lifestyle-related health concerns and routine family healthcare needs. Known for her caring and approachable nature, she believes in building strong patient relationships through clear communication and trust. Her goal is to help individuals and families achieve better health outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centered care.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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