Alpha Fetoprotein: A Key Tumour Marker for Your Liver Health (and More)

As an educated and health-conscious adult, you understand the importance of preventative screenings and managing health markers to optimize wellness and longevity. One key biomarker that provides insight into liver health and possibly other conditions is alpha fetoprotein, or AFP.

By monitoring your AFP levels with a simple blood test, you gain awareness of liver health and can make any necessary lifestyle adjustments or medical interventions to keep this vital organ functioning properly.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about AFP, why you should get screened, ideal levels to aim for, and how to lower high AFP levels through natural methods and medical treatments if needed.

TLDR:  AFP is a protein that can be measured through a blood test to provide insight into liver health and other health conditions.

• Higher AFP levels can indicate liver damage or germ cell tumours
• Getting your AFP levels checked regularly through a simple blood test allows you to monitor your liver health and make any needed lifestyle changes.
• If AFP levels are high, natural remedies and medical treatments are available.

What Is Alpha Fetoprotein?

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced naturally in the liver of a developing fetus, or by the yolk sac during pregnancy. After birth, AFP levels decrease rapidly and remain low in healthy adults.

The Importance of Alpha Fetoprotein for Your Health.

Some health conditions that can lead to high AFP levels include:

• Chronic or acute liver damage: Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease can all cause AFP levels to increase as liver cells regenerate.
• Liver cancer: Both primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancers that spread to the liver from other organs can lead to elevated AFP.
• Yolk sac tumours: AFP-producing tumours that typically occur in children but sometimes in adults.
• Certain gastrointestinal cancers such as stomach, biliary, or pancreatic cancers in rare cases.
• Pregnancy in women. AFP levels rise during pregnancy but return to normal after delivery. Pregnancy must be excluded before further investigating elevated AFP in women.

When to Get Tested for Alpha Fetoprotein

Generally: Every 1-2 years, starting at 40.

For preventative screening, adults should have their AFP levels tested regularly, ideally once every 1-2 years starting at age 40.

Recommended Alpha Fetoprotein Levels for Adults

Severely Low: Below 0.5ng/mL

AFP levels below 0.5 ng/mL could indicate:

• Liver disease or cirrhosis that inhibits AFP production. Additional blood tests and evaluation are needed to assess liver function.
• In rare cases, certain neuroendocrine tumors. Further testing and scans may be required to identify or rule out a neuroendocrine tumor as a possible cause.

Normal: Below 10 ng/mL

For most adults, a normal AFP level is considered below 10 ng/mL.

Slightly Elevated: 10-15 ng/mL

Slightly higher levels of 10-15 ng/mL are still within normal limits for some individuals and your doctor may want to retest in 6-12 months to ensure it remains stable.

Elevated: Above 15 ng/mL

Levels above 15 ng/mL are considered elevated and require further testing to determine the underlying cause, such as imaging scans or biopsies.

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In addition to testing, you will receive a personalized health optimization plan from our doctors incorporating supplements, nutrition, exercise and sleep strategies, and access to exclusive health and longevity events.

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Lifestyle Changes to Optimize Alpha Fetoprotein Levels

To optimize your alpha fetoprotein levels and support overall health and longevity, making certain lifestyle changes is key. Implementing the following recommendations into your daily routine can help regulate AFP levels within the normal range and promote vitality.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol use strains the liver and can elevate AFP levels.

For most adults, limit intake to 1 drink per day for women, and 2 per day for men. Abstaining from alcohol completely will have the greatest benefit for AFP regulation and liver health.

Exercise Regularly

Engaging in moderate exercise most days of the week helps maintain a healthy weight and improves insulin sensitivity, both of which influence AFP levels.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day, such as walking, strength training, yoga or swimming.

In addition to aerobic exercise, incorporate resistance training to build muscle at least 2 times per week.

Improve Sleep Hygiene

Prioritizing high-quality sleep is essential for health and managing AFP levels. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to feel rested.

Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, limit screen time and blue light exposure before bed, and make sure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet and cool for the best rest.

Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones and metabolism, negatively impacting AFP regulation.

Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Alpha Fetoprotein Levels

To maintain healthy alpha fetoprotein levels, focus on a balanced diet with lean proteins, high-fiber whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit red meat, sugar, and processed foods.

Lean Proteins

Choose plant-based and fatty fish sources of protein, such as beans, lentils, tofu, salmon, and sardines. These provide protein without the high saturated fat found in red meat.

Aim for 20 to 30 grams of protein with each meal. Other good options include skinless poultry, eggs, nuts, and seeds.

High-Fiber Whole Grains

Fiber helps remove waste and toxins from the body that can raise alpha fetoprotein levels. Try to get 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day from foods like oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and 100% whole wheat bread.

Fiber also helps you feel full and reduces appetite, which aids weight management. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for high alpha fetoprotein.

Fruits and Vegetables

A diet high in antioxidants and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables can help support liver health and balanced alpha fetoprotein levels.

Focus on leafy greens, broccoli, citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and cruciferous veggies like cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Aim for 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit per day.

Healthy Fats

Choose unsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados. Limit saturated fats from red meat and full-fat dairy products. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and flax seeds are especially beneficial for liver health and reducing inflammation in the body.

Making balanced diet and lifestyle changes can help manage your alpha fetoprotein levels. Eating more whole foods, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the most impactful steps you can take for optimal health and wellness. Be sure to get follow-up blood tests as recommended by your doctor to monitor your levels and make adjustments as needed.

Supplements That Support Healthy Alpha Fetoprotein

To support healthy alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels, certain supplements may be beneficial.

Selenium

Selenium is an important mineral for liver health and proper immune function. The recommended dietary allowance for selenium is 55 mcg per day for adults.

Food sources include Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, and eggs. Selenium supplements, such as selenomethionine 200 mcg capsules, may help ensure adequate intake for optimal AFP levels.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle contains silymarin, an antioxidant compound shown to help support liver health and function. Typical doses of milk thistle supplements range from 70 to 210 mg three times per day with meals.

For AFP support, a dosage of 140 mg three times daily is a good place to start. Look for supplements standardized to contain 70 to 80% silymarin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant made by the body and found in some foods like broccoli, spinach, and potatoes. Supplements of alpha lipoic acid 600 to 1,200 mg per day may help combat inflammation in the body and support AFP levels within normal ranges.

Turmeric or Curcumin

The active compound in turmeric, called curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric or curcumin supplements in the range of 500 to 1,000 mg two or three times a day may help reduce inflammation in the liver and throughout the body, which can assist in maintaining AFP in the normal range. Look for supplements standardized to 95% curcuminoids for maximum potency and absorption.

Medications That Affect Alpha Fetoprotein Levels

Certain medications can affect your alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, either increasing or decreasing them. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before testing your AFP levels. Some of the medications known to impact AFP levels include:

1. Anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid. These medications may lower AFP levels, potentially masking elevated levels that could indicate liver cancer or other conditions. Your doctor may recommend temporarily discontinuing these medications before AFP testing.
2. Immunosuppressant drugs like azathioprine and methotrexate can decrease AFP levels. As with anticonvulsants, temporarily stopping these medications before testing may provide a more accurate AFP level.
3. Steroid medications such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone may lower AFP levels. Long-term or high-dose steroid use can significantly impact AFP levels. Discuss with your doctor whether steroid dose adjustment or temporary discontinuation is appropriate before AFP testing.
4. Chemotherapy agents, especially those used to treat cancers like testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can increase AFP levels. Elevated AFP may be a temporary side effect of treatment. However, it could also indicate disease progression or recurrence, so AFP monitoring is important during and after chemotherapy treatment.
5. Tamoxifen, used in breast cancer treatment, may increase AFP levels slightly. An increase within the normal range is typically not a cause for concern but should be monitored by your oncologist. Significant increases could indicate a need for treatment modification.

In summary, many common medications and medical treatments can impact your AFP levels, both increasing and decreasing them. To gain the most accurate information from AFP testing and monitoring, discuss with your doctor any medications or supplements you take and whether any adjustments are needed before you provide a blood sample.

Conclusion

In today's fast-paced world, your health and longevity should be top priorities. Understanding your body's biomarkers provides insights into optimizing your wellbeing. Alpha fetoprotein is one such important biomarker that provides an overview of your liver health and longevity. By monitoring your AFP levels regularly and making appropriate lifestyle changes, you can take control of your health journey.

At Mito Health, we specialize in advanced health diagnostics to test your AFP levels  - to form a science-based, personalized health plan to help you optimize your health. Sign up for our flagship package today to take control of your health and your future.