Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and is preserved for historical interest. Some recommendations, regulations, and scientific evidence have changed since it was written. It reflects the research and perspectives available at that time.
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase; it is a substance that is released into the blood when liver cells are damaged. ALT levels in the serum will give you an idea if there is any liver cell damage occurring. A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, 5-treatment, parallel-group, inpatient, diet-controlled (meals provided), longitudinal study of 145 healthy adults, appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol. 296 No. 1, July 5, 2006) indicates that acetaminophen use, even a recommended doses, causes liver damage. The subjects were given either four grams of acetaminophen (the maximum recommended daily dose) or a placebo for 14 days. The use of the acetaminophen increased ALT levels to nearly five times normal in 19% of the participants. No such increases were noted in the placebo group
