Holidays are celebrated for all sorts of reasons. Some honor heroes, others commemorate religious events, but April 1 stands out as the only holiday that celebrates foolishness. April Fools' Day, or All Fools Day, is an odd celebration with a strange history.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzymatic protein found in liver, intestine, placenta and bone. The normal adult range of alkaline phosphatase is 41 to 133 IU per liter of blood, and these values vary among laboratory and method, according to The Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests..
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme produced by the body to help break down certain types of molecules, such as proteins. The liver produces most of the alkaline phosphatase in our bodies, but the intestines, kidneys and bones produce small amounts, too. Alkaline phosphatase is measured by blood testing. Called the ALP test, it is useful for diagnosing several diseases and conditions. For example, high ALP levels can indicate blocked bile ducts in the liver, bone disease or Celiac disease. Low ALP levels can indicate certain types of anemias or, rarely, specific types of cancer. It's worth noting that oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also can cause low ALP levels.