Nutritional status and levels of liver Enzymes in Ghanaian alcoholics.

Abstract

Levels of major liver enzymes were measured for a group of malnourished alcoholics, well-nourished alcoholics and non -drinkers who were age and sex-matched in the fasted state. Their nutritional Status were determined from anthropometric and biochemical assessments. The levels of the liver enzymes were higher in the alcoholics when compared with the lion-alcoholics. Gamma-glutamyltransferase levels were highest. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels followed sequentially. The well flourished alcoholics appeared to have some protection from alcoholic liver damage. although their fat levels were higher which may predispose to cardiac disease. Alcoholics, therefore, show some degree of impaired liver function which is more severe among those who are malnourished?