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AST

Liver Unit: U/L

Liver and muscle enzyme

Also known as: Aspartate Aminotransferase,SGOT,Aspartate Transaminase (AST),Aspartate Transaminase

Reference Ranges

Clinical Reference 10.0 – 40.0 U/L
Optimal Range 10.0 – 25.0 U/L
Critical Range > 500.0 U/L

Also in muscle/heart; less liver-specific than ALT

Related Conditions

Liver Disease High

Food & Lifestyle Recommendations

🍎 Food Same approach as elevated ALT: reduce alcohol, processed foods, and fructose AST and ALT often elevate together in liver injury
🍎 Food Eliminate or minimize alcohol consumption Alcohol is hepatotoxic and a leading cause of elevated AST
🍎 Food Coffee consumption (2-3 cups/day) is associated with lower liver enzymes Meta-analyses show coffee reduces AST/ALT by 15-25% in liver disease
🍎 Food Avoid processed foods high in fructose and trans fats — they promote fatty liver Fructose and trans fats drive hepatic steatosis and elevated liver enzymes
🏃 Exercise Regular exercise reduces liver fat and improves NAFLD 150 min/week of exercise reduces liver fat by 20-30% independent of weight loss

Evidence-Backed Supplements

When High

  • Milk Thistle Tier A May Decrease

    Strong evidence; silymarin from milk thistle is hepatoprotective. Meta-analyses show AST reduction in liver disease patients.

    Silymarin extract (70–80%) 140–210 mg silymarin 2–3x/day With meals
    PMID 40552569 PMID 37816677 PMID 40738719
  • Nac Tier A May Decrease

    Moderate evidence; NAC supports glutathione production and hepatocyte protection. Shown to reduce AST in some liver disease trials.

    N-Acetyl Cysteine 600–1200 mg/day Morning or divided doses
    PMID 30746681 PMID 39349461 PMID 33294991
  • Curcumin Tier A May Decrease AYURVEDA

    Moderate evidence; curcumin has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Some trials show AST reduction in NAFLD.

    Curcumin with piperine or phytosome 500–1000 mg/day With meals
    PMID 34017975 PMID 31423805 PMID 38542668
  • Vitamin E Tier A May Decrease

    Moderate evidence; vitamin E improves liver enzymes in NAFLD. PIVENS trial showed significant AST reduction.

    Mixed tocopherols (d-alpha, d-gamma) 200–400 IU/day With meals
    PMID 26343254 PMID 28418065 PMID 18646084

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • Is my AST elevation from liver or could it be from muscle or heart? AST is less liver-specific than ALT; check CK and troponin
  • Should I have additional liver tests to determine why my AST is elevated? Elevated AST warrants ALT, ALP, bilirubin, and potentially viral hepatitis and fatty liver screening.

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