AST
ASAT (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart and muscles, where it helps the body process amino acids.
ASAT (aspartate aminotransferase, AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, the heart and the muscles, where it helps the body process amino acids. A small amount is always present in the blood. Because it comes from several tissues, it is read together with the other liver values and CK.
Hard or unfamiliar exercise can raise AST for a few days because it is released from the muscles. Alcohol, a diet high in sugar, body weight, some medicines and a recent infection also affect the level.
Foods that help
Vegetables, leafy greens and citrus fruit, lean protein such as fish, chicken and eggs, and foods with vitamin B6 such as bananas, sunflower seeds and avocado.
Foods to limit
Alcohol, sugary drinks, fried food and highly processed food.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
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