Bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) is an enzyme produced by osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. It plays a crucial role in bone mineralization, the process where minerals like calcium and phosphate are deposited into the bone matrix to give it strength. As a specific marker for osteoblast activity, BALP reflects the rate of new bone tissue synthesis, offering insight into bone turnover and health. Measuring BALP can help assess bone metabolism independent of other alkaline phosphatase isoforms.
Bone alkaline phosphatase
Bone turnover marker.