Aspartate Aminotransferase

Liver Function marker

AST

Aspartate Aminotransferase

Category: Liver Function
Unit: U/L

Enzyme found in liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated by liver damage or muscle breakdown.

PED Notes

Both liver stress and heavy training elevate AST. Post-workout AST can be 2-3x normal. When AST is elevated but ALT is normal, it often indicates muscle damage rather than liver issues. Oral AAS will elevate both. Key diagnostic tip: if AST is high but ALT and GGT are normal, it is almost certainly muscle damage from training -- not liver stress.

Supplements:

  • NAC -- 600-1200mg/day (empty stomach)
  • TUDCA -- 500-1000mg/day (with meals)
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) -- 300-600mg/day

Lifestyle:

  • Rest 48-72h before blood draw for accurate liver assessment

References:

  • Mokhtari, V., Afsharian, P., Shahhoseini, M., Kalantar, S. M., & Moini, A. (2017). A review on various uses of N-acetyl cysteine. Cell Journal, 19(1), 11-17. DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4872
  • Paumgartner, G., & Beuers, U. (2002). Ursodeoxycholic acid in cholestatic liver disease: Mechanisms of action and therapeutic use revisited. Hepatology, 36(3), 525-531. DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2002.36088
  • Shay, K. P., Moreau, R. F., Smith, E. J., Smith, A. R., & Hagen, T. M. (2009). Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1790(10), 1149-1160. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.07.026

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0 - 40 U/L

VitalMetrics Range

0 - 60 U/L

Statistics