is it common for these to be false (high) on a blood test? Can they be influenced by recent food/drink intake prior to test?

How often and intense do you lift?

Mine has been high since I started testing for it (through physical and life insurance blood work) despite not drinking very often. My most recent numbers were high on both but I had my GGT (overall liver health) tested and it was well within range.

I lift 5-6 days a week and have done so for about 20 years now. My alcohol consumption is usually no more than 2-3x a month… lately it has been more like 1-2x

Courtesy of someone I know that's also a heavy lifter and also a Dr, they confirmed this to be true for people that lift strenuously.

For reference:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17764474/

Disclaimer - I am not a doctor nor am assuming this is the same for you. Just sharing my similar elevated numbers of my LFT despite not doing anything (steroids, frequent alcohol consumption, etc.,) that should elevate those numbers.

thanks for the insight but this is actually for son and wife...both were tested within the last 2 months and have elevated levels. I have a few questions...also trying to calm nerves of worrying family members

Unless you are symptomatic (abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, turning yellow), LFTs matter more when trending instead of taking a one-time snapshot regarding longterm health of the liver. We're talking trending for YEARS in a asymptomatic person

Mild elevations happen for numerous reasons. But as long as you're not persistently elevated > 2-3x the top end value, I'd worry about other things first

Imaging studies coupled with LFTs can also paint a much better picture to look at the actual liver tissue.

That makes sense!! I used to rarely drink, and now not all, and my levels were elevated. I've been lifting heavy for years as well.

Throwing a couple of other reasons to explain a mildly elevated AST and ALT: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hemochromatosis. Both are relatively common and treatable. Have they discussed possible explanations with their doctor?

True Anomaly said:

---

Unless you are symptomatic (abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, turning yellow), LFTs matter more when trending instead of taking a one-time snapshot regarding longterm health of the liver. We're talking trending for YEARS in a asymptomatic person

Mild elevations happen for numerous reasons. But as long as you're not persistently elevated > 2-3x the top end value, I'd worry about other things first

Imaging studies coupled with LFTs can also paint a much better picture to look at the actual liver tissue.

---

When you say 2-3x like over 100 on either ASL or AST? That would be very concerning.

Mine have been slightly elevated for a year or so (mid 60s now pretty dang close to normal). I caught it bc I had very evident symptoms (abdominal pain. Itchy hands without rash etc) . Doc got me concerned as I'm a young dad (early 30s). It is certainly from boozing it up over the years. Been slowing it down and they have come down gradually over time.

Did a lot of research for causes outside of booze and looked into NAFLD. I have changed up my diet significantly and that has helped get rid of the symptoms significantly as well.

Son's (18yo) dr said no need to follow up. If I remember his numbers were in low 50's. Not terribly concerned other than, he is going to be a college freshman and hasn't started drinking...yet. I plan on having his rechecked in Dec/Jan.