Organic Acids (OAT)

MosaicDX’ s (formerly Great Plains Lab) Organic Acids Test (OAT) is a simple and efficient way to assess several metabolic pathways providing insight intoimbalances and nutrient needs. This OAT assesses 76 organic acids in a single, easy-to-collect urine sample, offering valuable insights for individuals facing complex chronic conditions.

People with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders usually excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Several causes can drive these high levels, including oral antibiotic use, immune deficiencies, high sugar diets, infections, and genetic factors.

Metabolic processes in the body produce organic acids from the digestion of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. These acids generate cellular energy and provide many fundamental pieces necessary for cell function.

Organic acids are, therefore, chemical compounds products of metabolism excreted in the urine.

The measurement of organic acids provides a way for the physician to perform a functional assessment of the patient nutrient status. A high accumulation of organic acids in urine can suggest a metabolic inhibition or block due to an inherited enzyme deficit, a nutrient deficiency, toxic build-up, or the consequence of a drug effect.

Vitamins and minerals are required for the correct functioning of the enzymes responsible for metabolizing organic acids. Thus, an increase in organic acids in the urine can reflect a functional need for these nutrients on a cellular and biochemical level, even when a serum analysis reflects normal results.

The results of the test can guide the physician with recommendations for nutrient supplementation.

The OAT test report is organized into clinically useful categories including:

Intestinal Microbial Overgrowth Markers: Evaluates for Candida activity, Clostridia bacteria toxins, potential mold exposure, and imbalances in gut microflora.

Oxalate Metabolites: Provides insights into the levels of oxalates, which could be generated by organisms within the system or through dietary intake.

Glycolytic Cycle Metabolites and Mitochondrial Markers: Includes Krebs Cycle and Amino Acid Metabolites. Assesses metabolic efficiency, such as the use of glucose and amino acids for energy generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Neurotransmitter Metabolites: Evaluates the metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. These are linked to neurotransmitter status and quinolinic acid production.

Pyrimidine Metabolites & Ketone and Fatty Acid Oxidation Markers: Provides insights into folate status and cellular turnover. Assesses mitochondrial utilization of fatty acids for energy production.

Nutritional Markers: Offers insights into the sufficiency of essential vitamins, antioxidants, and metabolic pathway co-factors.

Indicators of Detoxification: Assesses the presence of oxidative stress through markers of glutathione sufficiency. Evaluates methylation versus transsulfuration functions.

Which Patients is the Organic Acids Test Best Used For?

Identifying imbalances through testing can provide valuable guidance in understanding the underlying factors contributing to various symptoms and disease states. Clinically addressing these imbalances can lead to an improvement in associated symptoms and overall health.

Common symptoms and diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies and other metabolic imbalances include:

1. Anxiety - Emotional and mental health disturbances.
2. Autism Spectrum Disorders - Developmental disorders affecting communication and behavior.
3. Depression - A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
4. Diabetes - A metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar.
5. Digestive Disorders - Issues affecting the gastrointestinal system.
6. Fatigue - Persistent tiredness or weakness.
7. Fibromyalgia - A condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain.
8. Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis - Imbalance in the microbial communities in the digestive tract.
9. Insulin Resistance - A condition where cells in the body don't respond effectively to insulin.
10. Neurological Disorders - Diseases of the brain, spine, and the nerves that connect them.
11. Obesity - Excessive body fat that presents a risk to health.
12. Optimizing Health - Enhancing overall physical and mental well-being.
13. Psychological Disorders - Disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.
14. Vulvodynia - Chronic, unexplained pain in the area around the opening of the vagina.
    

What Does Organic Acids Test Measure?

The test analyzes over 76 markers in a urine sample. The analysis includes measuring Organic Acids and markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels.

Importantly, this test also includes markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.

Almost all organic acids are measured by a combination of gas or liquid chromatography linked with mass spectrometry.

Organic acids are most commonly analyzed in urine since they are not reabsorbed in the kidney tubules after glomerular filtration. This is why organic acids in urine are often present at 100 times their concentration in the serum.

What Type of Sample is Needed to Complete the Organic Acids Test?

• A first-in-the-morning urine sample is required for the test.
• Fasting is needed overnight.
• Patients should avoid apples, grapes, raisins, pears, cranberries, and their juices, arabinogalactan, reishi mushrooms, echinacea, and ribose supplements for 48 hours prior specimen collection.