Normal Muscle Enzymes After Exercise

When you exercise, your body produces enzymes that participate in the process of muscle contraction, relaxation, strengthening and conditioning. Since they also serve other functions, measuring them can tell you, your doctor or your trainer other facts about your physiological activity. If you work out strenuously or frequently, your enzyme levels may be different than those of less active individuals. Understanding enzyme production can help you determine diet and workout plans, including supplement regimens, and aid your doctor in spotting organ trouble if it ever arises.

Creatine Kinase

Creatine kinase is produced in high levels by the body after exercise. This enzyme is an important part of the muscle contraction process. The rate at which your body exhausts its creatine production correlates to your endurance. Drs. Joseph Garry and John McShane performed a study in which they measured creatine levels post-exercise. They found professional athletes have lower levels of creatine elevation than non-pros, indicating that the pros have high levels to start. Supplementing creatine under the guidance of a trainer or nutritionist may improve your athletic performance.

Aspartate Aminotransferase

Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme that can indicate trouble with your heart or liver. Your body creates it as a byproduct of tissue damage to these organs. Exercise also produces a spurt of it as part of the transfer process of amino acids during metabolic exertion. In this instance, it is not unhealthy. A 1990 Russian study found that post-exercise elevations of aspartate aminotransferase return to their original production within 24 hours. If you are undergoing heart or liver tests of these enzymes, tell your doctor about your exercise habits.

Lactate Dehydrogenase

Lactate dehydrogenase or LDH is another enzyme that can point to liver trouble, but is a healthy result of the metabolic process of exercise. Lactate dehydrogenase is part of the cellular cycle that creates feelings of fatigue in the muscles. Its production indicates when you are reaching the apex of your performance abilities and require rest or recovery. High vitamin C intake can create the appearance of low LDH production in tests. If you are undergoing liver tests of LDH, tell your doctor about your diet, supplement and exercise habits.

Catalase

Catalase spikes during and after exercise in order to break down hydrogen peroxide, a dangerous byproduct of several metabolic processes. Your body produces catalase in order to break down hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water molecules. This can be an important factor in anti-aging, because hydrogen peroxide builds up in the cells -- including your hair cells, which eventually turn gray without the protection of catalase.