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If My AST And ALT Levels Are Low 11 And

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Posted on Fri, 1 Jan 2021
Question: If my AST and ALT levels are low 11 and 8 respectively, but the ratio is >1 should I worry?
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Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (0 minute later)
If my AST and ALT levels are low 11 and 8 respectively, but the ratio is >1 should I worry?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No known disease association

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. While low levels of the liver enzymes AST and ALT have been associated with frailty and muscle mass loss, they are not a marker for any specific disease, and low levels are generally not concerning. So regardless of the specific ratio between them, I would not be worried about low AST and ALT, as opposed to high values, which indicate liver disease. However, if you have any other symptoms, such as unintentional weight loss, that should be investigated independently from your blood test results.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
No known disease association

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. While low levels of the liver enzymes AST and ALT have been associated with frailty and muscle mass loss, they are not a marker for any specific disease, and low levels are generally not concerning. So regardless of the specific ratio between them, I would not be worried about low AST and ALT, as opposed to high values, which indicate liver disease. However, if you have any other symptoms, such as unintentional weight loss, that should be investigated independently from your blood test results.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (1 hour later)
Thank you very much Dr. Branch, that puts my mind at ease. May I ask, about the ratio being greater than 1? I read that if your AST:ALT ratio is greater than 1 it could signify a problem.

Thank you for your help, it is very much appreciated!

Many thanks, XXXXXXX
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Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (0 minute later)
Thank you very much Dr. Branch, that puts my mind at ease. May I ask, about the ratio being greater than 1? I read that if your AST:ALT ratio is greater than 1 it could signify a problem.

Thank you for your help, it is very much appreciated!

Many thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ratio not important if both AST and ALT are low

Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. While an AST to ALT ratio of greater than 2:1 can be a sign of alcoholic liver disease, this would only be a concern if the AST and ALT were elevated. In your case, the ratio is not important and does not indicate any known disease.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Ratio not important if both AST and ALT are low

Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. While an AST to ALT ratio of greater than 2:1 can be a sign of alcoholic liver disease, this would only be a concern if the AST and ALT were elevated. In your case, the ratio is not important and does not indicate any known disease.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Aaron Branch

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1202 Questions

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If My AST And ALT Levels Are Low 11 And

If my AST and ALT levels are low 11 and 8 respectively, but the ratio is >1 should I worry?