This group of enzymes has a low substrate specificity and catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate esters in a basic environment.

[1] Alkaline phosphatases are present in many human tissues, including bone, intestine, kidney, liver, placenta and white blood cells.

[citation needed] If the cause for alkaline phosphatase elevation is unknown, isoenzyme studies using electrophoresis can confirm the source of the ALP.

[clarification needed] It is essential to use age-specific normal reference values, as healthy infants and children usually have levels that would be considered elevated in adults.

With elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, there is an increase in disproportionate intracellular fat depots and thereby releasing itself into the bloodstream.

[9] Studies have shown that elevated levels may predict mortality independent of bone metabolism factors and liver function tests in CKD.

Normally, children and adolescents have higher alkaline phosphatase levels than adults, due to accelerated bone growth.