AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
An enzyme present in the liver, heart, and muscle tissue, used alongside ALT to assess liver health.
This is educational information, not a diagnosis. Only a doctor reviewing your full report and history can properly interpret your result.
What It Is
AST is an enzyme found in the liver as well as heart and skeletal muscle, which makes it slightly less liver-specific than ALT. It's almost always interpreted together with ALT rather than on its own.
Why It Matters
The ratio between AST and ALT, along with their absolute values, helps distinguish liver-related causes from muscle-related ones, and can hint at how long-standing a liver issue might be.
Typical Reference Range
A commonly cited adult reference range is roughly 8-48 U/L, though this varies by laboratory and is always interpreted alongside ALT rather than in isolation.
What Can Affect Your Results
- Liver conditions such as fatty liver or hepatitis
- Strenuous exercise or recent muscle injury
- Alcohol intake
- Certain medications
- Heart-related conditions in some cases
When It's Typically Checked
AST is included in the same blood draw as ALT on a standard liver panel, and is rarely ordered by itself.
Related Tests
Medical Disclaimer
This page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or interpret your individual results. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and testing methods, and a result outside a ‘typical’ range does not necessarily indicate a health problem, just as a result inside it doesn’t rule one out. Only a qualified physician reviewing your complete health picture can properly interpret your lab results — please discuss your reports with Dr Naturals or your treating doctor rather than relying on this page alone.