Gilbert Syndrome

Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited (genetic) liver disorder that affects the body’s ability to process bilirubin. Bilirubin is yellow liquid waste that occurs naturally as the body breaks down old red blood cells.

People with Gilbert’s syndrome don’t produce enough liver enzymes to keep bilirubin at a normal level. As a result, excess bilirubin builds up in the body. Excess bilirubin is known as hyperbilirubinemia.

What is bilirubin?

Bilirubin is found in bile, a digestive liquid produced by the liver that helps the body absorb fat. Your liver is part of the digestive system. It filters toxins from blood, digests fats and stores glucose (a blood sugar) as glycogen to use for energy.

How common is Gilbert’s syndrome?

An estimated 3% to 7% of Americans have Gilbert’s syndrome. This type of liver disease is more common in males than in females. It affects all ages, races and ethnicities.

Who might have Gilbert’s syndrome?

Gilbert’s syndrome is genetic, meaning it’s passed down from parent to child through a change, or mutation, in a gene. People with Gilbert’s syndrome inherit a mutated UGT1A1 gene.