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Low (AST) Aspartate Aminotransferase level in the blood

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Low (AST) Aspartate Aminotransferase level in the blood
portrait of Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.D.
Written by

Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.D.
Medically reviewed by Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.D.

Last update: 25/03/2020

Summary

  1. What is low AST level in the blood called?
  2. What is the normal level of AST in the blood?
  3. What does a low AST level in the blood mean?
  4. Which factors can reduce the AST level in the blood?
  5. Which diseases can reduce your AST level in the blood?
  6. What can I do to increase the AST level in the blood?
  7. Which values are considered a low AST level in the blood?

What is low AST level in the blood called?

  • AST Hypotransaminasemia

What is the normal level of AST in the blood?

If you need to know which are the AST reference ranges or you require more information about the role of AST in the blood, you can visit normal AST level in the blood

What does a low AST level in the blood mean?

A low AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) level in the blood, formerly named glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), is not common and, in general, it is not a matter for concern.

  • Mild AST hypotransaminasemia (0 - 5 U/L in adults):

    The AST level in the blood is a bit low. Low AST values are usually a positive sign and they are not associated with any medical condition or disease.

    Only in case you have diabetes or you follow an unbalanced diet, it is advisable to visit your doctor.

Which factors can reduce the AST level in the blood?

To suffer a particular health situation can reduce your AST level in the blood:

  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Pregnancy

Which diseases can reduce your AST level in the blood?

The following diseases can explain an AST level in the blood lower than normal:

What can I do to increase the AST level in the blood?

A low AST level in the blood can be due to a vitamin deficiency. The main vitamin involved is vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). You can increase your vitamin B6 intake by taking:

  • Nuts: Pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts.
  • Meat: veal or chicken liver, turkey.
  • Fish: Salmon, tuna.

Where can I find more information about AST in the blood?

You can visit our pages about:

Which values are considered a low AST level in the blood?

The following values are considered to be below the normal range:

IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in U/L. They are an example of a healthy man of about 45 years old with no known disease and not taking any medication. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances.

AST Aspartate Aminotransferase
Mild AST hypotransaminasemia
4 U/L3 U/L2 U/L1 U/L0 U/L   
Medically reviewed by Javier Muga Bustamante Ph.D. on 25/03/2020

Bibliography

  • Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations. 2nd Edition. 2015. Ramnik Sood. ISBN: 978-93-5152-333-8. Pag. 531.
  • Thomas L. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In:Thomas L, ed. Clinical laboratory diagnostics. Use and assessment of clinical laboratory results. Frankfurt/Main: TH-Books Verlagsgesellschaft, 1998:55-65 ISBN: 9783980521543.
  • Thomas L, Müller M, Schumann G et al. Consensus of DGKL and VDGH for interim reference intervals on enzymes in serum. J Lab Med 2005;29:301-08.
  • Painter PC, Cope JY, Smith JL. Chapter 50. Reference information for the clinical laboratory. In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry. Philadelphia:WB Saunders Company, 1999;1802pp. ISBN 9780721656106.
  • Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Version 5.0.Published: November 27, 2017. U.S. Department of health and human Services. Available on: https://ctep.cancer.gov
  • Severity grading in drug induced liver injury. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available on: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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