Publication Description
Serum alkaline phosphatase was measured in a large population of government employees and their dependents, aged 12 years and older. It was found that the concentrations of this enzyme were very high in early adolescence, fell to a low point after the completion of bone growth, and rose thereafter. The concentration was higher in males than females until the age of 50 years; after that it was higher in females. In employees and their spouses (aged 19 years and older), the greater the weight (or weight for height), the higher the concentration. The taller the person, the lower the level of this enzyme. The more cigarettes smoked per day, the higher the enzyme concentration. There was also a weak but statistically significant association of alkaline phosphatase with serum glucose concentrations and blood pressure but not with antihypertensive medications. Other factors were also considered. Some of these factors, particularly age and weight, are associated with substantial difference in the concentration of alkaline phosphatase and could conceivably affect the clinical interpretation of test results.