Historically, organic acids were measured to screen for inherited genetic disorders that led to enzymatic disruption and altered metabolic pathways. Since then, the utility of organic acid testing has expanded, providing insights into the complex workings of the body's many systems.
Mosaic Diagnostics's (formerly known as Great Plains Laboratory) Organic Acids test (OAT) is a popular option on the market that may provide insights into nutritional status, genetic variations, and environmental factors that influence health and well-being. This article will discuss the intricacies of the OAT.
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What is the Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Mosaic Diagnostics?
Organic acids are byproducts of normal biochemical metabolic pathways of the body that generate cellular energy and other fundamental endproducts required for healthy cellular function. Factors such as nutrient insufficiencies, intestinal imbalances, environmental exposures, and medications can affect the efficiency of these pathways, potentially leading to changes in the production and excretion of organic acids. Therefore, urinary organic acids can be measured to assess aspects of nutrient status and metabolic health.
The OAT provides a comprehensive metabolic analysis of a patient's health. Like other organic acid tests, it analyzes organic acid biomarkers related to the intestinal microbiome, vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and oxalates. OAT results can be used to explore potential imbalances in intestinal health, genetic variations, nutritional status, and the effects of lifestyle and medications.
What Does the Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Mosaic Diagnostics Measure?
Using mass spectrometry analytical technique, the OAT measures 76 markers from a single urine sample. The analytes, divided into five main categories, reported on this test are listed below.
Gastrointestinal Fungal and Bacterial Overgrowth
The following markers are used to assess for intestinal overgrowth of various yeast and bacteria that may not be detected with a stool culture: Citramalic, 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic, 3-Oxoglutaric, Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic, Furancarbonylglycine, Tartaric, Arabinose, Carboxycitric, Tricarballylic, Hippuric, 2-Hydroxyphenylacetic, 4-Hydroxybenzoic, 4-Hydroxyhippuric, DHPPA, 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic, HPHPA, 4-Cresol, 3-Indoleacetic
Oxalate Formation and Mitochondrial Function
Glyceric, glycolic, and oxalic acids (oxalates) derived from diet, fungal exposure, and human metabolism have been studied for their potential role in various health conditions.
Organic acids produced in mitochondrial metabolic pathways assess how efficiently the cells can utilize carbohydrates, fats, and protein to create energy. Variations in these analytes can indicate potential insufficiencies in nutrient cofactors and genetic variations affecting enzyme function: Lactic, Pyruvic, Succinic, Fumaric, Malic, 2-Oxoglutaric, Aconitic, Citric, 3-Methylglutaric, 3-Hydroxyglutaric, 3-Methylglutaconic, Uracil, Thymine, 3-Hydroxybutyric, Acetoacetic, Ethylmalonic, Methylsuccinic, Adipic, Suberic, Sebacic
Neurotransmitter Status
Organic acids produced through neurotransmitter synthesis and breakdown provide insight into stress pathways, dietary patterns, and nutritional status: Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Vanillmandelic Acid (VMA), HVA/VMA Ratio, Dihydroxyphenylacetic (DOPAC), HVA/DOPAC Ratio, 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA), Quinolinic, Kynurenic
Nutritional Profile (Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids)
The comprehensive functional profile of the patient's vitamin, mineral, and amino acid nutritional status includes the following markers: Methylmalonic (Vitamin B12), Pyridoxic (Vitamin B6), Pantothenic (Vitamin B5), Glutaric (Vitamin B2), Ascorbic (Vitamin C), 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (CoQ10), N-Acetylcysteine, Methylcitric (Biotin), 2-Hydroxyisovaleric, 2-Oxoisovaleric, 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric, 2-Hydroxyisocaproic, 2-Oxoisocaproic, 2-Oxo-4-methiolbutyric, Mandelic, Phenyllactic, Phenylpyruvic, Homogentisic, 4-Hydroxyphenyllactic, N-Acetylaspartic, Malonic, 4-Hydroxybutyric, Phosphoric
Detoxification Markers
Pyroglutamic, 2-Hydroxybutyric, Orotic, and 2-Hydroxyhippuric assess aspects of antioxidant status and the body's ability to manage environmental exposures.
When to Consider the Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Mosaic Diagnostics
OAT results provide insights into how a person's body responds on a metabolic level to various conditions or symptoms. This means that the OAT may be appropriate for a wide range of individuals.
Generally, the OAT is often considered for individuals experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, digestive symptoms, and other health concerns. Organic acids have been studied in the context of mental health and chronic conditions. Elevations of organic acids measured on this panel have been associated with various health conditions.
Other conditions associated with changes in organic acid levels include:
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular health concerns
- Diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson's disease
According to the Mosaic Diagnostics's website, the OAT may help achieve the following goals:
- Understand vitamin and hormone metabolism
- Determine capacity to generate energy
- Evaluate intestinal wall integrity and reveal levels of gastrointestinal yeast and bacteria
- Assess the performance of the central nervous system
- Evaluate muscle function
- Detect nutritional or antioxidant status
- Determine aspects of fatty acid metabolism
- Identify oxalate levels
How to Use the Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Mosaic Diagnostics in Clinic
Patient instructions for sample collection can be found on Rupa's website. These are the key points that should be emphasized to patients to ensure correct sample collection:
- A first-morning urine sample is required for this test. Patients should collect at least 10 mL of urine upon waking before eating or drinking.
- Patients should avoid all food and juice products containing apples, grapes, raisins, pears, and cranberries for 48 hours before collecting their urine sample.
- Patients should avoid all supplements containing arabinogalactan, reishi mushroom, echinacea, and ribose for 48 hours before collecting their urine sample.
Test results are typically available 10-14 days after the facility has received the patient's test kit.
The OAT can be ordered as an initial screening test to offer a snapshot of the patient's metabolic health, applicable to individuals with chronic health concerns or those seeking to support their overall well-being. Alternatively, the OAT is often ordered by practitioners seeking additional insights into complex cases after initial evaluations have been inconclusive.
The results of the OAT can guide the ordering practitioner with suggestions for nutrient support, typically including a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and other supportive measures. Dietary and lifestyle considerations can also be explored to support desired outcomes. Recommendations should be guided by result patterns indicating trends in intestinal health, environmental exposures, and nutrient status. OAT interpretation can be complex, and additional training may be beneficial to learn key patterns as you first implement the OAT in your practice. Rupa University offers multiple free classes specific to organic acid test interpretation.
Additional Mosaic Diagnostics tests that complement the OAT to gather more information specific to imbalances highlighted on the OAT screen may include:
- Advanced Cholesterol Profile
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis
- DNA Methylation Pathway Profile
- Heavy Metals Urine Test
- Hormones Profile
- MycoTOX Profile
- Repeat OAT to monitor patient progress is suggested 3-6 months after baseline testing
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Summary
Organic acid testing is a valuable tool that evaluates for metabolic imbalances due to nutritional status, intestinal health, and environmental factors that may influence mitochondrial function and overall well-being. Mosaic Diagnostics's Organic Acids (OAT) test is one of Rupa Health's popular organic acid panel testing options. It can be ordered to assist with the evaluation process for anyone dealing with a complex health concern or wanting to support metabolic health.
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