From the Research
A very low AST level is generally not considered a medical concern and does not typically require specific treatment or intervention. Normal AST ranges typically fall between 8-40 U/L, though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. If your AST is below the lower limit of normal, this usually doesn't require any specific treatment or intervention. Low AST levels are not typically associated with any particular disease state or condition that requires medical attention. The body naturally maintains enzyme levels within certain ranges, and minor fluctuations below the normal range for AST are usually not clinically significant. Unlike elevated liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage or disease, low levels don't generally signal a pathological process.
Some studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin B6 deficiency and low AST levels, such as the study by 1, which found that vitamin B6 supplementation increased AST levels in patients with low vitamin B6 levels. However, this study is not directly relevant to the general population with low AST levels.
In terms of the most recent and highest quality study, 2 is a study from 2014 that describes the expression and purification of a functional recombinant aspartate aminotransferase (AST) from Escherichia coli. However, this study is not directly relevant to the clinical significance of low AST levels.
In clinical practice, if you're concerned about a very low AST result, it's reasonable to mention it at your next routine medical appointment, but it rarely requires urgent follow-up or specific treatment. The test may simply be repeated at your next regular blood work to confirm the finding. AST is found primarily in liver and muscle cells, and low levels might simply reflect individual variation in enzyme production or activity rather than any underlying health problem.
Key points to consider:
- Low AST levels are not typically associated with any particular disease state or condition that requires medical attention
- Minor fluctuations below the normal range for AST are usually not clinically significant
- Vitamin B6 deficiency may be associated with low AST levels in certain populations, but this is not directly relevant to the general population with low AST levels
- The most recent and highest quality study on AST is not directly relevant to the clinical significance of low AST levels.