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Gilbert's Syndrome, characterized by a chronically elevated serum bilirubin level (1.2 to 3.0mg/dL), is the most common of all benign unconjugated hyper-bilirubinemias. Previously considered rare, this disorder is now known to affect as much as 5% of the general population. The condition is usually asymptomatic, although some patients do complain about anorexia, malaise, and fatigue. In a small study, the most common symptom was chocolate and sweet craving followed by fatigue.
Mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is the only significant laboratory abnormality, which is important clinically because it is often misdiagnosed as chronic hepatitis. Research indicates that Gilbert's syndrome is due to a slow down in the liver's Phase II detoxification system. A 31% slower rate of glucuronidation has been reported in the typical person with Gilbert's syndrome. |
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![]() | ![]() | Weak or unproven link |
![]() | ![]() | Strong or generally accepted link |
![]() | ![]() | Proven definite or direct link |
![]() | ![]() | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative |
![]() | ![]() | May do some good |
![]() | ![]() | Likely to help |
![]() | ![]() | Highly recommended |
![]() | ![]() | May have adverse consequences |

GLOSSARY
Anorexia Nervosa: An eating disorder characterized by excess control - a morbid fear of obesity leads the sufferer to try and limit or reduce their weight by excessive dieting, exercising, vomiting, purging and use of diuretics. Sufferers are typically more than 15% below the average weight for their height/sex/age and typically have amenorrhea (if female) or low libido (if male). 1-2% of female teenagers are anorexic.
Asymptomatic: Not showing symptoms.
Benign: Literally: innocent; not malignant. Often used to refer to cells that are not cancerous.
Chronic: Usually Chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, abnormal liver function, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.
Malaise: A vague feeling of bodily discomfort, as at the beginning of an illness. A general sense of depression or unease.
Milligram: (mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.
Serum: The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.