Interconnected liver and bone symbolizing liver health and bone density

Liver Enzymes and Bone Health: What's the Connection?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Could routine liver tests offer clues to your bone density? Korean study reveals surprising links, especially for women and older adults."

Osteoporosis is a widespread health concern, characterized by weakened bones and increased fracture risk. Maintaining bone health is critical, and understanding factors that influence bone density is essential for prevention. While diet and exercise are well-known factors, emerging research suggests a connection between seemingly unrelated aspects of health, like liver function.

A recent study conducted in Korea sheds light on a potential relationship between liver enzyme levels and bone mineral density (BMD). Liver enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), are commonly measured to assess liver health. This research explores whether these enzymes are linked to bone strength, particularly in a population often underrepresented in such studies.

This article breaks down the study's findings, explaining the connection between liver enzymes and bone density, what it means for your health, and actionable steps you can take. We'll explore how this research contributes to a broader understanding of osteoporosis and potential avenues for prevention.

Decoding the Liver-Bone Connection: What the Study Revealed

Interconnected liver and bone symbolizing liver health and bone density

The Korean study analyzed data from over 7,000 adults, examining the relationship between their liver enzyme levels and BMD at various skeletal sites, including the femoral neck, lumbar spine, entire femur, and whole body. Researchers used a comprehensive approach, adjusting for factors like age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, education, and diabetes to isolate the specific impact of liver enzymes.

Here's a summary of the key findings:

GGT and Bone Density: Higher levels of GGT were consistently associated with lower bone density at all measured sites.
ALT and Lumbar Spine: Elevated ALT levels showed a negative correlation with bone density in the lumbar spine.
AST and Lumbar Spine: Similar to ALT, higher AST levels were linked to reduced bone density in the lumbar region.
Specific Populations: The link between GGT and BMD was particularly strong in postmenopausal women and older men.

These findings suggest that imbalances in liver enzyme levels might contribute to decreased bone density, particularly in specific populations. The study highlights the potential for liver health to serve as an indicator of bone health, particularly in postmenopausal women and older men.

What This Means for You: Actionable Steps for Bone and Liver Health

While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms linking liver enzymes and bone density, the Korean study provides valuable insights. It suggests that maintaining liver health could be an important factor in preventing osteoporosis, especially for women after menopause and older adults.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

<ul> <li>Routine Check-ups: Talk to your doctor about your liver health, especially if you have risk factors for liver disease. Regular blood tests can monitor your liver enzyme levels.</li> <li>Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.</li> <li>Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can elevate liver enzyme levels.</li> <li>Exercise: Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and improve overall health.</li> <li>Bone Density Screening: If you're a postmenopausal woman or have other osteoporosis risk factors, discuss bone density screening with your doctor.</li> </ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s12891-018-2322-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Association Between Liver Enzymes And Bone Mineral Density In Koreans: A Cross-Sectional Study

Subject: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Ho Jeong Do, Joon-Shik Shin, Jinho Lee, Yoon Jae Lee, Me-Riong Kim, Dongwoo Nam, Eun-Jung Kim, Yeoncheol Park, Kristin Suhr, In-Hyuk Ha

Published: 2018-11-24

Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between liver enzymes and bone density?

The connection, as revealed by a Korean study, indicates that levels of certain liver enzymes, such as Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are related to bone mineral density (BMD). Higher levels of GGT were linked to lower bone density across multiple skeletal sites. Elevated ALT and AST levels also showed a negative correlation with bone density in the lumbar spine. This suggests that your liver health, as indicated by these enzyme levels, could have an impact on bone strength.

Why is the link between liver enzymes and bone health significant?

The study showed that imbalances in the liver enzymes Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) might contribute to decreased bone density. The findings suggest that your liver health, especially in postmenopausal women and older men, could serve as an indicator of bone health and the potential risk of osteoporosis. This is significant because it highlights a previously less-considered factor that influences bone strength. Understanding this connection could lead to more comprehensive approaches to osteoporosis prevention and management, potentially involving liver health assessments.

Which specific populations were most affected by the link between liver enzymes and bone density?

The study highlights that in postmenopausal women and older men, the relationship between liver enzyme levels and bone mineral density (BMD) was particularly strong. Higher levels of Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly associated with lower bone density in these populations. This suggests that these groups might be more susceptible to the effects of liver health on bone strength, making them a key focus for understanding and addressing the link. It underscores the importance of considering liver health in osteoporosis prevention strategies, especially for these demographics.

What are the actionable steps one can take to support both bone and liver health?

While the exact mechanisms linking liver enzymes and bone density are still under investigation, the Korean study provides actionable insights. To support your bone and liver health, consider the following: 1. Discuss your liver enzyme levels, such as Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), with your healthcare provider, especially if you are a postmenopausal woman or older adult. 2. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support both liver and bone health. 3. Be aware of the potential impact of your liver health on your bones, and consider regular bone density screenings as advised by your doctor. It’s also important to note that the research is ongoing, and you should always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.

What is the main implication of the study's findings regarding liver enzymes and bone health?

The key takeaway is that the Korean study suggests a potential link between liver health and bone health, specifically concerning the liver enzymes Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis, characterized by weakened bones and increased fracture risk, is a major health concern. The study implies that maintaining liver health could be an important factor in preventing osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women and older adults. It expands the understanding of the factors influencing bone health and suggests that liver health assessments could be a useful tool in assessing and managing osteoporosis risk.