Amino Acids Profile – Plasma

The Plasma Amino Acids Profile by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is a metabolomic assessment of essential and non-essential amino acids, providing vital insights into a patient's metabolic signature.  This methodology aligns with the principles of precision medicine, allowing for early detection of metabolic dysfunction and tailored interventions to support individualized healthcare approaches. 

This analysis offers valuable information on nutrient status, imbalances, and catabolic pathways. Through a systems-biology approach, this profile helps identify abnormalities in amino acid levels, which may stem from factors like dietary habits, genetic variants, or metabolic disorders. 

By assessing key functional areas such as meat intake and urea processing, practitioners can develop targeted protocols to optimize individual patient outcomes, including personalized dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and targeted amino acid supplementation. 

It is important to note that this test cannot be ordered for patients under 12 years old. 

Plasma vs. Urine Assessment of Amino Acids

Plasma amino acid testing and urine amino acid testing are both valuable diagnostic tools used to assess amino acid metabolism and provide insights into various aspects of health. However, each method offers distinct advantages. 

Plasma amino acid testing involves the analysis of amino acid levels in the bloodstream, offering real-time information about amino acid concentrations and their role in metabolic processes. This method provides a snapshot of amino acid status and allows clinicians to identify immediate metabolic dysregulation, amino acid deficiencies, and imbalances in metabolic pathways. Additionally, plasma amino acid testing enables the evaluation of amino acid levels associated with neurotransmitter synthesis, providing insights into neurotransmitter balance and cognitive health. [6.]

In contrast, urine amino acid testing involves the analysis of amino acid levels in urine samples, offering a comprehensive view of amino acid excretion and metabolic waste products.  [8.]   While urine amino acid testing may not provide real-time information about amino acid concentrations in the bloodstream, it offers valuable insights into amino acid metabolism and renal function.

Urine amino acid testing is often used to screen for inborn errors of amino acid metabolism, although it is also used in assessing long-term metabolic health and monitoring treatment responses over time. [1.]

Insights Provided by the Plasma Amino Acid Test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory

The Plasma Amino Acid Test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is a comprehensive diagnostic tool offering invaluable clinical insights into metabolic health, neurotransmitter balance, and nutritional status. By analyzing the intricate interplay of amino acids in the bloodstream, this test provides clinicians with a detailed assessment of amino acid metabolism, nutrient status, and its implications for overall health. 

The test uncovers deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, amino acid deficiencies, and imbalances in metabolic pathways, guiding targeted interventions to restore balance and optimize patient outcomes. 

Moreover, the evaluation of amino acid levels associated with neurotransmitter synthesis offers insights into neurotransmitter balance and cognitive health, facilitating the development of personalized interventions for mood disorders, cognitive decline, and digestive disturbances.  [3., 7.]

Test results are organized into functional categories and the health impact of their current functional status is provided.  This may help clinicians prioritize therapies to target the most significant categories first.  

The functional categories defined by the Plasma Amino Acids by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory are:

• Metabolic Processing (a marker of metabolism)
• Amino Acid and Protein Metabolism (reveals deficiencies in specific protein-processing pathways)
• Nutrition (may highlight a need for adjustments in meat intake)
• Stress and Mood (reveals metabolism of various neurotransmitters)
• Toxic Impacts (highlights function of the urea cycle, a critical metabolic pathway in the liver)

Clinicians can leverage the data provided by the Plasma Amino Acid Test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory  to tailor individualized treatment plans and nutritional interventions, addressing underlying metabolic imbalances and supporting optimal health. 

Additionally, the test aids in monitoring treatment responses over time, allowing for adjustments in therapy to achieve desired clinical outcomes. The comprehensive nature of the test, combined with its functional format for quick interpretation, empowers clinicians with actionable insights to optimize patient care and promote holistic well-being. 

Who Could Benefit from the Plasma Amino Acids Test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory?

The Plasma Amino Acids Test offers valuable insights into metabolic health, neurotransmitter balance, and overall well-being, making it beneficial for a variety of individuals. Specifically, those who may benefit from taking this test include:

Individuals with unexplained symptoms: The Plasma Amino Acids Test can be valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, digestive issues, or cognitive decline. By evaluating amino acid levels and metabolic markers, the test can uncover underlying metabolic imbalances or nutritional deficiencies contributing to these symptoms, guiding targeted interventions for symptom relief.

Patients with chronic health conditions: Individuals with chronic health conditions such as autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndrome and other metabolic conditions, or mood disorders may benefit from the insights provided by the Plasma Amino Acids Test. The test can help identify metabolic dysregulation, neurotransmitter imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies that may exacerbate these conditions, enabling clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. [5., 7.]

Those seeking optimization of health and performance: The Plasma Amino Acids Test is also valuable for individuals interested in optimizing their health, performance, and longevity. By assessing amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, and nutritional status, the test can identify areas for improvement and guide targeted interventions to support overall well-being and enhance physical and cognitive performance. [6., 7., 9.] 

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts: Amino acids are essential for muscle repair and growth, and their levels can influence exercise performance.  [11.]  The Plasma Amino Acids Test can help optimize amino acid intake and support physical performance.

Individuals undergoing nutritional therapy or supplementation: For individuals undergoing nutritional therapy or supplementation, the Plasma Amino Acids Test provides valuable information to guide treatment protocols and monitor progress over time. By assessing amino acid levels and metabolic markers, the test can help optimize nutritional interventions, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and metabolic support for optimal health outcomes. [6., 10.]

Overall, the Plasma Amino Acids Test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is suitable for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their metabolic health, neurotransmitter balance, and nutritional status, and may offer valuable insights for optimizing overall well-being and addressing underlying health concerns.

References

[1.] Aliu E, Kanungo S, Arnold GL. Amino acid disorders. Ann Transl Med. 2018 Dec;6(24):471. doi: 10.21037/atm.2018.12.12. PMID: 30740402; PMCID: PMC6331359.

[2.] Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. 14, Amino Acid and Protein Requirements: Cognitive Performance, Stress, and Brain Function. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224629/

[3.] Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. 14, Amino Acid and Protein Requirements: Cognitive Performance, Stress, and Brain Function. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224629/ 

[4.] James SC, Fraser K, Cooney J, Günther CS, Young W, Gearry RB, Heenan PE, Trower T, Keenan JI, Talley NJ, McNabb WC, Roy NC. Concentrations of Plasma Amino Acids and Neurotransmitters in Participants with Functional Gut Disorders and Healthy Controls. Metabolites. 2023 Feb 20;13(2):313. doi: 10.3390/metabo13020313. PMID: 36837931; PMCID: PMC9959678.

[5.] Mahbub, M., Yamaguchi, N., Takahashi, H. et al. Alteration in plasma free amino acid levels and its association with gout. Environ Health Prev Med 22, 7 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-017-0609-8

[6.] Nagao K, Kimura T. Use of plasma-free amino acids as biomarkers for detecting and predicting disease risk. Nutrition Reviews. 2020;78(Supplement_3):79-85. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaa086

[7.] Ogawa S, Koga N, Hattori K, Matsuo J, Ota M, Hori H, Sasayama D, Teraishi T, Ishida I, Yoshida F, Yoshida S, Noda T, Higuchi T, Kunugi H. Plasma amino acid profile in major depressive disorder: Analyses in two independent case-control sample sets. J Psychiatr Res. 2018 Jan;96:23-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.09.014. Epub 2017 Sep 19. PMID: 28950111.

[8.] Piestansky J, Olesova D, Galba J, Marakova K, Parrak V, Secnik P, Secnik P Jr, Kovacech B, Kovac A, Zelinkova Z, Mikus P. Profiling of Amino Acids in Urine Samples of Patients Suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry. Molecules. 2019 Sep 14;24(18):3345. doi: 10.3390/molecules24183345. PMID: 31540027; PMCID: PMC6767150.

[9.] Ravaglia G, Forti P, Maioli F, Bianchi G, Martelli M, Talerico T, Servadei L, Zoli M, Mariani E. Plasma amino acid concentrations in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;80(2):483-8. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/80.2.483. PMID: 15277174.

[10.] Schmidt, J., Rinaldi, S., Scalbert, A. et al. Plasma concentrations and intakes of amino acids in male meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans: a cross-sectional analysis in the EPIC-Oxford cohort. Eur J Clin Nutr 70, 306–312 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2015.144

[11.] Wolfe RR, Miller SL, Miller KB. Optimal protein intake in the elderly. Clin Nutr. 2008 Oct;27(5):675-84. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2008.06.008. Epub 2008 Sep 25. PMID: 18819733.