Lactate Dehydrogenase
Liver Function marker
LDH
Lactate Dehydrogenase
Enzyme found in most tissues. Elevated levels indicate tissue damage in the heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, or red blood cells.
PED Notes
Commonly elevated in bodybuilders due to intense training (skeletal muscle damage), haemolysis from heavy exercise, and hepatic stress from oral 17-alpha-alkylated AAS. Not specific to any single organ — must interpret alongside organ-specific markers (ALT/AST for liver, CK for muscle, haptoglobin for haemolysis). Post-workout LDH can remain elevated for 24-72 hours.
When high
Understanding LDH:
- LDH is found in all tissues — elevation alone does not indicate the source
- Pair with ALT/AST (liver), CK (muscle), haptoglobin/reticulocytes (haemolysis) to identify origin
- Post-intense training elevation is expected and benign if transient
If Elevated:
- If ALT/AST also elevated → hepatic source, assess oral AAS use and liver support
- If CK also elevated → skeletal muscle damage from training (expected, benign if <5x normal)
- If haptoglobin low → haemolysis (foot-strike haemolysis in cardio, or intravascular from EPO-driven polycythaemia)
- Persistent elevation (>2 weeks rest) warrants investigation
Supplements:
- NAC -- 600-1200mg/day (hepatoprotective, antioxidant)
- TUDCA -- 250-500mg/day (if on oral AAS)
- CoQ10 -- 100-200mg/day (supports cellular energy, reduces oxidative damage)
Lifestyle:
- Allow 48-72 hours rest before blood draw for baseline reading
- Avoid intense training 72h before testing
- If on oral AAS and LDH persistently elevated with liver markers, consider discontinuing orals
Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription or a treatment plan, and it does not account for your history, medications or conditions. Use it to ask better questions: bring it to your doctor and decide together. Full disclaimer.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range