A Nutrition Guide to What Vitamin Lowers ALT?

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Elevated liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), affect a significant portion of the adult population and often signal liver distress. For those looking to support liver health through nutrition, understanding exactly what vitamin lowers ALT is a crucial first step, alongside adopting a broader spectrum of dietary strategies.

Quick Summary

Several vitamins, including E, D, B12, and folate, have shown promise in reducing elevated ALT levels associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammation. A comprehensive approach also involves diet and lifestyle changes.

Key Points

Vitamins E, D, and B-complex: Studies show that supplementation with these vitamins may help reduce elevated ALT levels, particularly in patients with NAFLD.
Antioxidant Power: Vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant, reducing the inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage liver cells and increase ALT.
NAFLD Management: Vitamins E, D, B12, and folate are beneficial for patients with NAFLD, with B12 and folate being linked to reducing inflammation and fibrosis in advanced cases.
Beyond Supplements: Successful management of high ALT also requires a balanced diet, weight control, and regular exercise.
Consult a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new vitamin supplements, as high doses can be risky for some individuals or interact with medications.
Omega-3s are Key: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, help reduce liver fat and inflammation, which contributes to lowering ALT.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells that plays a vital role in metabolism. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels that can be detected through a blood test. While a doctor should always evaluate high ALT levels to determine the underlying cause, certain nutritional and lifestyle interventions can help support liver health and bring these levels down.

Key Vitamins That May Help Lower ALT

Research has identified several vitamins that can aid in the reduction of elevated ALT levels, particularly when the root cause is oxidative stress or conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Vitamin E: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation can reduce serum aminotransferases, including ALT, in adults with NAFLD. It is thought to work by neutralizing free radicals that harm liver cells and improving histological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dietary sources include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Due to potential risks at high doses, it should be used cautiously and under medical supervision.

B Vitamins: Folate and B12

Folate (B9) and vitamin B12 are important for liver health, particularly in managing NAFLD. Research suggests that B12 and folic acid supplementation may reduce inflammation and fibrosis in severe NAFLD. These vitamins help regulate the homocysteine pathway; high homocysteine levels are linked to fatty liver disease progression. Folate is found in leafy greens and legumes, while B12 is in animal products. Folic acid has been shown to reduce ALT levels in people with liver damage.

Vitamin D: More Than Bone Health

Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals with liver disease, and supplementation may improve liver function. A study on NAFLD patients showed that vitamin D supplementation combined with lifestyle changes improved serum ALT levels. This effect might be related to vitamin D's ability to improve insulin resistance, a contributing factor to NAFLD. Dietary sources include fatty fish and fortified foods.

Other Nutritional Strategies to Support Liver Health

Improving liver function and lowering ALT involves more than just vitamins. A holistic approach including other nutrients and lifestyle modifications is key.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties. Supplementation has been shown to reduce liver fat and inflammation in people with NAFLD, leading to better liver enzyme levels.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is often linked to liver diseases. Some research suggests supplementation may be beneficial; a study found oral magnesium chloride reduced plasma ALT levels in obese women with low magnesium.

A Liver-Friendly Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is highly effective for lowering ALT. The Mediterranean diet, which fits this profile, has shown promise. Fiber-rich foods also support liver function.

The Role of Coffee

Studies indicate that coffee consumption may protect the liver. Regular coffee drinking is associated with lower ALT levels and a reduced risk of liver disease.

Comparison of Key Vitamins and Nutrients for Lowering ALT


Nutrient	Primary Mechanism	Primary Benefit for ALT	Recommended for NAFLD?	Key Sources
Vitamin E	Potent antioxidant action, reduces oxidative stress	Significantly reduces ALT levels by decreasing inflammation	Yes, especially for non-diabetic adults	Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils
Folate (B9) / B12	Regulates homocysteine pathway, supports fat metabolism	Reduces inflammation and fibrosis in severe NAFLD	Yes, particularly for advanced disease	Leafy greens, meat, fish, fortified cereals
Vitamin D	Improves insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory effects	Reduces serum ALT levels, especially in NAFLD patients	Yes, common deficiency in liver disease	Fatty fish, fortified dairy, sunlight
Omega-3s	Reduces inflammation, lowers triglycerides	Lowers liver fat and improves liver enzyme levels	Yes, supports liver function	Fatty fish (salmon), flaxseeds, walnuts
Magnesium	Cofactor in many enzymatic reactions, antioxidant properties	Reduces plasma ALT levels, especially in deficient individuals	Potential benefit, further research ongoing	Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains

Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Approach to Lowering ALT

While certain vitamins like E, D, B12, and folate can help lower ALT levels, a comprehensive approach is most effective. This includes a balanced, liver-friendly diet, weight management, and exercise. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements to ensure safety and appropriateness for your health needs. You can find more information on liver health and diet from resources like the American Liver Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is a liver enzyme. Elevated levels in the blood often indicate liver cell damage or inflammation, which can be a sign of underlying liver conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or other issues.

Several vitamins have shown positive effects, but Vitamin E is often cited for its potent antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, a key cause of liver damage. Its effectiveness is particularly noted in non-diabetic adults with NAFLD.

Yes, studies have linked increased consumption of folate-rich foods and folic acid supplementation with lower ALT levels. This is particularly relevant for individuals with liver damage or NAFLD.

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve serum ALT levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A common deficiency in liver disease patients, Vitamin D may help by improving insulin resistance, a major contributor to NAFLD.

Yes, specifically Vitamin B12 and folate can help regulate the homocysteine pathway, which, when disrupted, contributes to liver disease progression. Supplementation can reduce inflammation and fibrosis, especially in advanced liver disease.

Adopting a liver-friendly diet is key. This includes prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like those in olive oil and fish) while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive alcohol. Weight management and regular exercise are also highly effective.

It is not recommended to start supplements without consulting a healthcare provider. While many can be beneficial, some supplements can be harmful in high doses or interact with existing conditions or medications.