Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that occur within the body's cells that allow the body to function and survive. These processes require essential nutrients to function optimally, and when insufficiencies or deficiencies are present, the optimal activity of these pathways is compromised. Measuring organic acids, which are cellular byproducts of these pathways, can provide insight into cellular health contributing to health and disease. The Organic Acids Profile by US BioTek is one available panel to order through Rupa Health that provides a biochemical snapshot into metabolism and nutritional status.
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What is the Organic Acids Profile from US BioTek?
The Organic Acids Profile from US BioTek measures 36 organic acids specific to mitochondrial energy production, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter metabolism, detoxification capabilities, and intestinal microbial balance health.
Sample collection is easily performed at home with a single morning urine collection that does not require refrigeration or freezing.
Dual mass spectrometry analysis of the urine sample yields accurate and replicable test results.
What Does the Organic Acids Profile from US BioTek Measure?
The 36 organic acids reported on this test offer insight into many aspects of cellular metabolism and the nutritional status of crucial nutrients required for metabolic efficiency. Compared to other organic acids tests available through Rupa Health, the Organic Acids Profile measures the fewest analytes and is the least expensive option.
The test report divides the analytes into the following categories:
- Glycolysis Metabolites: Pyruvate, Lactate
- Citric Acid (Krebs) Cycle Metabolites: Citrate, Cis-Aconitate, Isocitrate, Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Succinate, Fumarate, Malate
- Fatty Acid Oxidation: Adipate, Suberate, Ethylmalonate, Methylsuccinate
- Markers for Protein Metabolism: Alpha-Ketoisovalerate, Alpha-Ketoisocaproate, Alpha-Keto-Beta-Methylvalerate, Beta-Hydroxyisovalerate, Methylmalonate, Hydroxymethylglutarate
- Ketone Metabolites: Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate, Beta-Hydroxybutyrate
- Markers of Neurotransmitter Metabolism: Vanilmandelate, Homovanillate, 5-Hydroxyindoleacetate, Quinolinate, Kynurenate
- Markers of Detoxification: Para-Hydroxyphenyllactate, Orotate, Pyroglutamate, Benzoate, Hippurate
- Markers of Bacterial Metabolism: Para-Hydroxybenzoate, Para-Hydroxyphenylacetate, 2-Hydroxyphenylacetate, 3-Indoleacetate, Tricarballylate
When to Consider the Organic Acids Profile from US BioTek
Various factors can create nutritional imbalances and suboptimal metabolic cellular functioning, increasing the risk and severity of chronic diseases. Many signs and symptoms indicate these cellular imbalances and warrant organic acid assessment. These may include:
- Anemia
- Blood sugar dysregulation (e.g., high or low blood sugar)
- Changes in mood (e.g., depression, anxiety, irritation)
- Digestive symptoms (e.g., gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Inability to lose or gain weight
- Memory loss
- Skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, acne)
- Sleep disturbance and insomnia
Organic acid testing can also be beneficial to dive deeper into the pathology underlying chronic disease, including:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart disease
- Insulin resistance
- Parkinson's disease
How to Use the Organic Acids Profile from US BioTek in Clinic
Minimal patient preparation is required before the at-home urine collection. Collection instructions are available through the Rupa Health website. Key points to emphasize to your patients include:
- Urine cannot be collected if patients have a urinary tract infection or are menstruating.
- To prevent urine dilution, patients should avoid excessive fluid intake the evening before sample collection.
- Patients must avoid certain foods and beverages two days before urine collection, including tea, coffee, alcohol, avocado, tomato, banana, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, plum, walnut, and pecan.
- The urine sample must be completely dry and be shipped to the lab within 48 hours of collection.
Ordering providers can expect to have test results 5-10 days after the patient sample is received at the lab.
Organic acid results can be challenging to interpret. Treatment based on individual abnormal values may result in excessive and unnecessary supplemental regimens. It is instead recommended to guide treatment recommendations on generalized themes found throughout the results report. Free classes available through Rupa University can help you learn these diagnostic patterns and apply organic acid results to clinical practice.
Treatment recommendations often include dietary and lifestyle modifications and nutritional/botanical supplements to correct nutrient insufficiencies, decrease inflammation, and restore the intestinal microbiome. Doctors should reorder the Organic Acids Profile no sooner than three months after baseline to reassess patient response to therapy accurately. Repeat testing is often performed every 6-12 months to save costs for the patient.
Specific result patterns may indicate the need for follow-up testing to further investigate gastrointestinal imbalances, toxic environmental exposures, and genetic variations influencing health. Additional US BioTek panels that can complement the Organic Acids Profile include:
- Candida Panel
- Environmental Pollutants Profile (EPP)
Summary
Various factors can lead to subtle imbalances in metabolic processes and nutritional deficiencies that cause vague symptoms and contribute to the development of chronic disease. Organic acids are intermediate and end-products of cellular metabolism that provide insight into the nutrient status of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. The Organic Acids Profile from US BioTek is a cost-effective way to screen for nutrient imbalances and guide customized treatment approaches that support the biochemical needs of the body.
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