What Level of AST is Dangerous?

AST Blood Test Guide: Normal Range, Liver Risks & Diet Tips

AST refers to Aspartate Transaminase, a protein produced by your liver. Measuring AST levels is part of routine liver healthcare. This protein is crucial for energy metabolism and synthesising amino acids. Your doctor performs an AST blood test to determine its level. Too much of it can indicate liver inflammation and damage.

What Does a High AST Level Mean?

There is normal range of AST levels 

• Adults: 8-48 IU/L
• Children: <60 IU/L

The blood test result varies according to the laboratory. Furthermore, several factors influence the normal AST levels in people, such as race, age, weight and sex. However, here is a general AST range:

• Mild: 50-150 IU/L (investigate within weeks)
• Moderate: 150-500 IU/L (urgent workup)
• Severe: >500 IU/L (emergency evaluation)

It is for informational purposes only. Actual normal and high levels may vary.

After your AST test, if your doctor interprets the result as high, this could mean the following:

• Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
• Liver scarring (Cirrhosis)
• Alcohol-induced liver injury
• Liver cancer
• Cholestasis
• Liver ischemia
• You use medicines toxic to your liver
• Cardiac injury (AST elevation in myocardial infarction)
• Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis, strenuous exercise)
• Thyroid disorders

What Causes High AST Levels?

Taking care of your liver is an important aspect of maintaining your health. Several conditions, such as liver disease and medications, may cause your AST levels to shoot up. Here are the potential causes of high AST levels:

• Herbal supplements
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Haemochromatosis
• Hepatitis A, B, C
• Coeliac disease
• Haemolysis
• Metabolic syndrome
• Wilson disease
• Primary biliary cirrhosis

What Symptoms Indicate High AST Levels?

Since normal and high AST levels vary among individuals, there are no certain symptoms indicating this in your body. However, if your AST levels are affected by liver damage, these are the symptoms to look out for:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Abdominal pain
• Light-coloured poop
• Swollen belly
• Leg and ankle swelling

What are the Risk Factors of High AST Levels?

People with certain lifestyle and medical features may be more susceptible to high AST levels. They are:

• Regular and excessive alcohol consumption
• Hepatitis virus exposure
• Previous history of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• Family history of liver disease
• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Liver-damaging medicine consumption

How to Prevent High AST Levels?

Although aspartate transaminase (AST) is an important enzyme for your body, keeping its levels in check is necessary. You can easily do so by:

• Stop Excessive Alcohol Consumption : Frequent alcohol consumption is a major setback for your liver. It leads to liver scarring, also known as liver fibrosis. When you quit alcohol or limit consumption, it heals your liver, lowering your AST levels.
• Stress Management : If you suffer from chronic stress, it may affect your liver negatively. Too much stress causes high cortisol levels, further damaging your liver. Therefore, practise stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga.
• Consume Fibre-Rich Food : Fibre is your liver’s friend. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains positively impact your liver health. On the other hand, processed and junk food puts pressure on your liver. Therefore, adopt a balanced diet rich in leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Regulating your liver enzymes, such as AST, does not have to be tough. Simple lifestyle changes can alter their levels and save your liver from damage.