Gilbert’s syndrome is a very common, mild liver condition that is thought to be inherited and results from a genetic mutation. It is more common in men than women. It causes a mildly elevated level of bilirubin in the bloodstream. The level is not usually high enough to cause jaundice. If a person with Gilbert’s syndrome becomes run down or suffers from an illness, they may develop mild jaundice.

Specifically, Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited deficiency of the liver enzyme that conjugates bilirubin. (It is called UDP-glucuronosyl transferase). The enzyme involved in Gilbert’s Syndrome has a normal structure but its levels are reduced by 65% to 90% because of a mutation in the upstream regulatory DNA sequence. Laboratories can test for this DNA mutation in patients with suspected Gilbert’s Syndrome and this can be worthwhile if the diagnosis is in doubt.

Bilirubin is the pigment that is produced in the blood from the breakdown of old red blood cells and this is a normal physiological occurrence. If the enzyme that conjugates bilirubin is deficient, then the levels of unconjugated bilirubin rise and the elevated bilirubin pigment produces a yellow colour to the skin and eyes (jaundice).

In a patient with Gilbert’s Syndrome the level of bilirubin will be slightly elevated but may vary from levels less than 35micromol/L but up to 70micromol/L. Sometimes the bilirubin levels will even be normal depending upon the individual’s diet and lifestyle. In Gilbert’s Syndrome other tests of liver function are normal as there is no liver damage.

Gilbert’s Syndrome is not generally considered to be a liver disease and most patients can be reassured that they have an inherited condition that will not cause significant harm. If a patient with Gilbert’s Syndrome suffers with an infection or another illness, takes certain drugs or medications, participates in intense exercise, becomes very sleep deprived or drinks excess alcohol, they may develop jaundice. Jaundice is the yellow color that appears in the skin and whites of the eyes when the levels of bilirubin in the blood become significantly elevated.

Other causes of jaundice include –

  • Hepatitis from viruses, adverse drug reactions, alcoholism, autoimmune disease or toxic chemicals
  • Blood disorders – a full blood count test may need to be done
  • Prosthetic heart valves
  • Vitamin B 12 deficiency

My advice to anyone with Gilbert’s Syndrome is to take extra care of their liver to avoid excess fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivities or jaundice. Raw juicing and an antioxidant supplement containing selenium and vitamin C are essential. Also a good liver tonic that supports the phase one and two detoxification pathways in the liver – a suitable tonic would be Livatone Plus.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.