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What is AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) in Blood Test? What is High and Low AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) Value? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 18, 2024


  • AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) in blood test is a test that measures the number of AST in your blood.

  • AST is an enzyme that helps the body break down amino acids.

  • AST is found mostly in the liver but is also found in muscles and other organs in your body. The test is often used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.

  • This test is also known as SGOT. AST is often used together with ALT value to evaluate liver damage and detect the causes of liver diseases.

AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) in blood test is a test that measures the number of AST in your blood. AST is an enzyme that helps the body break down amino acids. AST is found mostly in the liver but is also found in muscles and other organs in your body. The test is often used to help diagnose liver damage or disease. This test is also known as SGOT. AST is often used together with ALT value to evaluate liver damage and detect the causes of liver diseases. The normal AST value in a blood test is 8 to 33 U/L for adults. High AST in a blood test is a value above 33 U/L for adults. If the AST level is high, it may be a sign of liver disease. The likelihood of liver disease increases when the results of other liver blood tests (like ALT) are also abnormal. Low AST in a blood test is a value below 8 U/L for adults. One of the most important functions of the liver is to produce proteins that enable blood clotting and to ensure that toxic substances are broken down and removed from the body. In order for the liver to perform these functions in a healthy way, the AST level must be within normal ranges. If the AST value is low, although it does not usually pose a major problem, it may be a sign of kidney diseases and diabetes. For this reason, AST values in the blood must be kept under control.
What is AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) in Blood Test? What is High and Low AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) Value? Causes & Treatment?

What is A Normal AST Value in Blood Test ?

The normal AST value in a blood test is 8 to 33 U/L for adults. Normal value ranges may vary depending on age, gender and weight. Additionally, reference values may vary slightly between laboratories. The reference values at which the test was performed should be taken into account.


What is High AST Value in Blood Test?

  • High AST in a blood test is a value above 33 U/L for adults.

  • If the AST level is high, it may be a sign of liver disease. The likelihood of liver disease increases when the results of other liver blood tests (like ALT) are also abnormal.

  • Although rare, high AST levels can be caused by cell damage elsewhere in your body.

  • Abnormal results do not always mean there is a medical condition that requires treatment. Many things can affect the results, including some medications, age, gender, and nutrition. You should talk to your doctor to find out what the results mean.


What Causes High AST in Blood Test?

Possible causes of high AST originating from the liver:

  • Liver damage caused by alcohol

  • Hepatitis,

  • Cirrhosis

  • Using medications that can damage the liver

  • Having a liver tumor or liver cancer problem

  • Liver ischemia

Possible causes of high AST that does not originate from the liver:

  • Hemochromatosis means having too much iron in your body, which can damage your heart, liver and pancreas.

  • Heart attack

  • Mononucleosis

  • Muscle disease

  • Pancreatitis

Factors that can cause AST to rise temporarily include:

  • Deep burns

  • Have a seizure

  • Operation

  • Intense exercise

  • Pregnancy


High AST Symptoms

Diseases caused by high AST also cause some symptoms. These symptoms may generally include:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Lack of appetite

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow

  • Swelling and/or pain in your abdomen

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs

  • Dark-colored urine

  • Light-colored stool

  • Frequent itching


How to Treat High AST Level?

Treatment for high AST is determined by the underlying cause. After the doctor makes a definitive diagnosis, the appropriate treatment protocol is started. Your doctor may also regulate your alcohol, exercise and nutrition habits.


What is Low AST in Blood Test?

  • Low AST in a blood test is a value below 8 U/L for adults.

  • One of the most important functions of the liver is to produce proteins that enable blood clotting and to ensure that toxic substances are broken down and removed from the body. In order for the liver to perform these functions in a healthy way, the AST level must be within normal ranges.

  • If the AST value is low, although it does not usually pose a major problem, it may be a sign of kidney diseases and diabetes. For this reason, AST values in the blood must be kept under control.

What Causes Low AST in Blood Test?

The causes of low AST are some kidney diseases, high urea, dialysis, diabetic coma defined as diabetic ketoacidosis, pregnancy and vitamin B6 deficiency. In addition, low AST can also be seen in people with severe malnutrition.


Low AST Symptoms

Symptoms of low AST depend on the underlying cause.


How to Treat Low AST Level?

Treatment of low AST varies depending on the underlying cause. For example, if your AST value is low due to vitamin B6 deficiency, under the supervision of a doctor, you can use B6 supplements or eat a B6-rich diet, including legumes, especially chickpeas, hazelnuts, bananas and avocados.

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