Plasma Amino Acids

The Plasma Amino Acids test provides diagnostic information about nutrient adequacy, digestive disorders, hepatic and renal function, precursors of neurotransmitters, detoxification capacity, and amino acid metabolism. This analysis is presented in a functional format for quick interpretation and provides patient-specific supplement schedules to simplify nutritional intervention.

What does the Plasma Amino Acids by Doctor’s Data test?

The Doctor's Data Plasma Amino Acid Profile evaluates a comprehensive panel of over 40 amino acids, including essential and non-essential amino acids and their ratios to provide clinicians with invaluable insights into metabolic health, neurotransmitter balance, and digestive function. 

Essential amino acids such as phenylalanine, valine, and tryptophan serve as building blocks for protein synthesis and play vital roles in cellular metabolism. Non-essential amino acids, like glutamine, glycine, and serine, contribute to various physiological processes, including neurotransmitter synthesis, immune modulation, and detoxification. 

By assessing the levels and ratios of these amino acids, the test enables clinicians to identify metabolic dysregulation, amino acid deficiencies, and imbalances in metabolic pathways, guiding targeted interventions to restore balance and optimize patient outcomes. 

Additionally, the evaluation of amino acid levels associated with neurotransmitter synthesis provides insights into neurotransmitter balance and cognitive health, facilitating the development of personalized interventions for mood disorders, cognitive decline, and digestive disturbances.  [2., 4., 9.]  

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 Doctor’s Data

The Doctor's Data Plasma Amino Acid Test 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.]

Clinicians can leverage the data provided by the Doctor's Data Plasma Amino Acid Test 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 Doctor’s Data?

The Plasma Amino Acids Test by Doctor's Data 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 Doctor's Data 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.

Collection and Shipping Instructions

Key Details:

Sample collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday to Friday only. You may need to pay a separate fee for phlebotomy. Overnight fasting is required before sample collection, along with avoiding certain foods and medications for 48 hours. Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing any prescription medications.

Preparation & Timing:

Ensure sample collection is done by a phlebotomist on weekdays. Overnight fasting and abstaining from specific foods and medications for 48 hours are necessary. Freeze the provided ice pack for at least 6 hours before sample collection.

Collection Instructions:

Bring the test kit, frozen ice pack, and completed requisition form to your blood draw appointment. The phlebotomist will handle sample collection, preparation, and shipping. Follow phlebotomist collection instructions provided.

Requisition & Payment:

Your kit is prepaid, but a separate fee for phlebotomy may apply. Follow instructions on filling out the requisition form, excluding payment details as the kit is prepaid.

Shipping:

The phlebotomist will ship your sample using materials provided in the test kit, ideally on weekdays.

Results:

Results are typically available 3-8 business days after the lab receives samples. Your healthcare provider will notify you and schedule a follow-up appointment for a result review.

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.