Causes of Low Alpha-Fetoprotein

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that develops in the fetal liver, and abnormal levels may indicate genetic disorders or neural tube defects in the fetus. So What are the causes of low AFP levels? What is the normal level of this protein in the body? Continue reading to find out the answers.

What Are the Causes of Low Alpha-Fetoprotein?

AFP is a protein produced by the yolk sac, intestines, and liver of the developing fetus. After birth (typically within the first year), its levels in the blood decrease significantly. Therefore, low AFP levels are normal in healthy adults and children shortly after birth.

In pregnant women, abnormal AFP levels may be a sign of a genetic disorder or congenital defect. In some cases, low levels may indicate potential problems with the fetus, such as Down syndrome.

However, it is important to note that an abnormal result does not necessarily confirm a genetic disorder, neural tube defect, or any other health issue. Incorrect estimation of the due date or a twin pregnancy is the most common cause of elevated or reduced AFP levels in pregnant women.

Therefore, doctors usually request additional tests to help diagnose and determine the causes of low AFP levels if they are found to be abnormal.

Low Alpha-Fetoprotein in Cancer Patients

In most cases, doctors order AFP tests for pregnant women as a routine screening performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This is especially true if the woman is over 35 years old, has diabetes, has a history of birth defects, or has taken medications during pregnancy that could harm the baby.

However, sometimes doctors request it as a tumor marker test to help diagnose cancer or other conditions or to plan cancer treatment.

In many cases, elevated AFP levels indicate liver inflammation, liver cancer, ovarian or testicular cancer, or other cancers such as lung cancer or lymphoma. In these cases, the doctor may order AFP tests multiple times to monitor the cancer’s response to treatment.

The causes of low AFP levels in cancer patients undergoing treatment are often related to the cancer responding to the treatment. If AFP levels remain high, it may indicate that the treatment is not effectively targeting the cancer. If the levels stay the same, it may mean that the disease is stable and not improving or worsening.

After the treatment is completed, abnormal test results may indicate that some cancer still remains in the body. If levels are higher than after a period of treatment, it may suggest that the cancer is growing back.

What Is the Normal Level of Alpha-Fetoprotein in the Body?

AFP levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), and normal levels can vary among men, women (non-pregnant), depending on race and age.

Generally, the normal AFP level ranges from 0 - 10 ng/mL, and levels up to 40 ng/mL can be considered normal in adults. In pregnant women, normal levels range from 10 - 150 ng/mL.

Blazma offers an Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) test that requires no prior preparations.