What does it mean if your AST is low?
What does it mean if your AST is low?
Low levels of AST are normally found in the blood. When body tissue or an organ such as the heart or liver is diseased or damaged, additional AST is released into the bloodstream. The amount of AST in the blood is directly related to the extent of the tissue damage.
Are low AST levels bad?
Low AST levels are expected and normal – they are just uncommon in the general population. The reference ranges are based on where 95% of the healthy population falls into, which means that there are 5% of the people who are healthy and not within the reference range!
Are low ALT levels bad?
Background. Low alanine aminotransferase (ALT) blood levels are known to be associated with frailty and increased risk of long-term mortality in certain populations. However, the contribution of this marker to long-term outcome has not been assessed in patients with chronic coronary heart disease.
What is albumin low?
If you have a lower albumin level, you may have malnutrition. It can also mean that you have liver disease or an inflammatory disease. Higher albumin levels may be caused by acute infections, burns, and stress from surgery or a heart attack.
What is low AST and ALT?
An AST/ALT ratio of less than one (where the ALT is significantly higher than the AST) means you may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. An AST/ALT ratio equal to one (where the ALT is equal to the AST) may be a sign of acute viral hepatitis or drug-related liver toxicity.
What does low AST levels mean in a blood test?
In healthy individuals, levels of AST in the blood are low. When liver or muscle cells are injured, they release AST into the blood. This makes AST a useful test for detecting or monitoring liver damage. The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right-hand side of the abdominal area just beneath the rib cage.
What does low ALT and AST levels mean?
Low ALT is normal. ALT and AST are liver enzyme tests, usually done together. High levels mean the liver is irritated by something, that “something” could be temporary (like taking too much Tylenol) or something longterm and more serious like liver disease.
How to lower AST levels?
To help lower ALT levels, consider adding more folate-rich foods to your diet, such as: You can also try taking a folic acid supplement. Most folic acid supplements contain doses of either 400 or 800 micrograms. Aim for a daily dose of 800 micrograms, which is the equivalent of 0.8 milligrams.
What causes low AST and ALT levels?
While low ALT and AST levels are good, high levels can indicate a problem, states WebMD. Sometimes, high levels of AST are associated with certain types of infections, such as viral infections. Exposure to drugs and other substances considered toxic to the liver will also raise AST levels.
