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I recently had my blood work taken after 3 months on a strict MWL program. Needless to say my numbers are significantly better (I reported them in the testimonial forum if your interested).

However 2 numbers bother me somewhat and I hope maybe you guys can give me some insight on whether you have experienced these as well:

1. Low serum protein level - I've read a lot on this and I don't have any of the associated diseases that may be linked to this, so my only answer is that I'm not eating enough protein. Now my level is only slightly below the normal range. I know MWL can be a low protein diet and thats generally a good thing in my opinion. Do you think maybe I should slightly increase my protein intake to compensate for the low serum level? Could this effect my exercising as well? I walk 4-6 miles a day everyday as my exercise.

2. Low AST (SGOT) - the medical literature says little about low levels of this liver enzyme. Its normally used to test for heart/liver/organ damage. High readings indicate damage. The only thing I could find on low levels is that it may indicate a B6 deficiency. Again my level is only slighty below normal. My ALT is normal and it seems that B6 deficiency will cause both to be low. So I'm not sure if I have a real deficiency or not. Have any of you experienced this at all?

Thanks for your suggestions!

I have no experience with these two factors--I had to check my blood work to see that they were even there.

This sounds like an issue you would ask a doctor about, to either put your mind at rest, or take steps to adjust. Did your blood work go to a doctor, and did your doctor have any comments on those readings? Also, you could direct your question to Dr. M. He will respond quickly and informatively.

An important question would be did these numbers just suddenly get "off the normal" range or did you even know they were different before this latest test? They both seem like issues that would not just pop up because of a short term dietary change but seem like long term issues. Your doctor should be able to tell you if they would be numbers influenced by 3 months of MWL.
I'd have to believe that the 3 months of MWL had little impact but who knows.What was your dietary regimen prior to those 3 months?
f1jim

Hi Jim,

Yes the numbers are "suddenly" out of normal range. Prior to MWL they were
both in the "normal" range, though on the "low" side of normal. I was on a SAD diet then.


So the changes have occurred during the last 3 months while on MWL. I will say though that the numbers are only slightly low and barely out of the "normal" range. So they may not at all be significant and could just be an artifact of the tremendous changes I'm putting my body through right now.

I may follow up with Dr M...

I followed up with Dr McDougall and he graciously responded in only a few hours!

He told me that my serum Protein and AST numbers were of no concern.

My creatinine and eGFR though are indicative of some kidney issues that may be related to the fact I have only one kidney (donated a kidney 16 years ago). But the fact that those numbers improved shows that my kidney function is improving. He recommended I read up some on his kidney disease hot topics.

So all in all, I'm staying the course and not changing anything. I'm still amazed by how he gives so freely of his time!