Alkaline phosphatase, or ALP, is a protein that exists in all tissues of the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are many different types of ALP. Tissues that contain a rich amount of ALP include the bones, bile ducts and the liver. High levels of ALP may be associated with anemia, bone disease, liver disease, hepatitis or rickets. Low levels of ALP may indicate a protein deficiency or malnutrition.
Zinc
According to a 2007 study in the Nutrition Research Practicum, a deficiency in zinc may lead to low levels of alkaline phospatase in the blood. This suggests that increasing your intake of zinc may help to increase or normalize alkaline phosphatase levels in your body. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, foods rich in zinc include beef, red meats and shellfish. Nuts and legumes are also good sources.
Vitamin A
A 1998 study in the Journal of Nutrition has stated that vitamin A can induce the alkaline phosphatase levels in the liver, bones and kidneys. Vitamin A can be obtained through a supplement or found in the diet. Good dietary sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkin.
Phosphorous
According to the National Institutes of Health, phosphorous is present in every cell in the body and contributes to the composition of alkaline phosphatase. Including phosphorous-rich foods in your diet may help to increase and maintain healthy levels of ALP. The National Institutes of Health reports that foods high in phosphorous include skim milk, eggs, beef, chicken, salmon, turkey, nuts and lentils.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Alkaline Phospatase Test
- National Institutes of Health: Alkaline Phosphatase
- Cho, Y., Lomeda, R., Ryu, S., Sohn, H., Shin, H., Beattie, J., Kwun, I. (2007). Nutrition Research Practicum. Zinc deficiency negatively affects alkaline phosphatase and concentration of Ca, Mg and P in rats. Volume 1(2).
- Linus Pauling Institute: Zinc
- Nikawa T, Rokutan K, Nanba K, Tokuoka K, Teshima S, Engle MJ, Alpers DH, Kishi K.(1998).Journal of Nutrition. Vitamin A up-regulates expression of bone-type alkaline phosphatase in rat small intestinal crypt cell line and fetal rat small intestine. Nov; 128(11)
- National Institutes of Health: Phosphorous
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