Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition associated with metabolic syndrome. It is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes in U.S. adults, and is diagnosed after ruling out other causes of steatosis (fatty infiltration of liver), particularly infectious hepatitis and alcohol abuse.

Can fatty liver cause elevated liver enzymes?

The most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver disease. Research suggests that 25–51% of people with elevated liver enzymes have this condition. Other health conditions that typically cause elevated liver enzymes include: metabolic syndrome.

Can fatty liver cause elevated ALT and AST?

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. A systematic review found that NAFLD is the most common cause of asymptomatic elevation of transaminase levels (25% to 51% of patients with elevated ALT or AST, depending on the study population).