Liver
Bilirubin: Normal Range and What High Bilirubin Means
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down; the liver clears it. When it builds up, the eyes and skin can turn yellow — jaundice.
Normal Bilirubin range
What a high Bilirubin means
High bilirubin can cause yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine and pale stools. Causes range from a harmless inherited trait to liver or bile-duct problems.
Common causes:
- Gilbert's syndrome (common and harmless)
- Viral hepatitis or other liver issues
- Faster red-cell breakdown (hemolysis)
- Blocked bile ducts
What a low Bilirubin means
A low bilirubin is not a health concern.
Food & lifestyle that help
Favour
- A liver-friendly diet with vegetables and whole grains
- Plenty of water
Limit
- Alcohol
- Fried and very oily food
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly if you have yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or pale stools — the cause needs to be identified.
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Make my free plan →Frequently asked questions
What is a normal bilirubin level?
Total bilirubin is usually about 0.1–1.2 mg/dL, varying by lab.
Is mildly high bilirubin dangerous?
Often not — a mild rise can be Gilbert's syndrome, a harmless inherited trait. But new jaundice should always be checked by a doctor.
Where this comes from
Guidance from public health bodies — we link out so you can read the source rather than take our word for it. See our editorial policy.
- Bilirubin blood test — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Liver function tests — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine