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Serum Enzyme Monitoring in Bodybuilders |
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Written by Robbie Durand
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Thursday, 10 July 2008 |
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Many times when bodybuilders go to their local primary care
doctor, serum enzymes that are used as measures of renal and liver function
such as Creatinine (CK), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase
(AST) are often elevated. Many primary care doctors mistakenly assume
this is kidney/liver damage often not asking about training volume. As
discussed on NO BULL RADIO this week, blood panels often ordered by primary
care doctors are meant for normal sedentary adults, not athletes! In a 2008 paper titled Serum Enzyme
Monitoring in Sports Medicine, the author writes that CK, AST, and ALT
levels are often elevated after intense training in athletes. CK is associated
with muscle injury which may be elevated for 2-7 days after exercise. The author also writes that resting CK levels
are higher in athletes compared to sedentary adults. Additionally, previous studies have found
that ALT, AST are elevated after intense muscle damage especially eccentric
exercise. If you have to get blood work
done, make sure you have a knowledgeable physician whom is knowledgeable about
athletes and serum enzymes.
- Brancaccio P, Maffulli N, Buonauro R, Limongelli FM.
Serum enzyme monitoring in sports medicine. Clin Sports
Med.
2008 Jan;27(1):1-18, vii. Review.
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Research and Review 