Why use the OAT test- Metabolic Analysis Profile
The Organic Acid Test also known as the OAT test, specifically tests for organic acids – compounds in the urine that are produced during daily metabolism.
This profile assesses major metabolic areas that may be compromised by common lifestyle and dietary factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, toxicity, bacterial overgrowth, or medications.
Organic acids testing can indicate the functional need for specific nutrients, diet modification, antioxidant protection, detoxification, or other therapies.
OAT Testing is Especially Effective for Patients Experiencing :
- You are lacking energy
- Mood Disorders
- Fatigue
- Digestive Complaints
- Weight issues/Dietary Guidance
About the Metabolic Analysis Profile-OAT testing
This is a nutritional test that provides insights into the body’s cellular metabolic processes. It identifies metabolic blocks that can be treated nutritionally, and allows individual tailoring of interventions that maximize patient responses and leads to improved patient outcomes. Using a single urine specimen this test is valuable for determining:
The OAT Profile report categorizes test results into major metabolic areas :
- Metabolic Analysis Markers
- Cellular Energy & Mitochondrial Metabolites
- Neurotransmitter Metabolites
- Vitamin Markers
- Methylation sufficiency
- Markers for digestion, and small intestinal bacterial and yeast overgrowth
- Functional vitamin status, including B-vitamin need
- Toxin & Detoxification Markers
- Tyrosine Metabolism
Why Measure Organic Acids?
- Levels of organic acids in the urine can indicate insufficient cofactor micronutrients for critical enzymes that are needed in metabolic pathways.
- Dysfunctional or insufficient enzyme activity in metabolic pathways can produce an “enzymatic block,” causing the organic acids preceding the block to accumulate and spill into the urine.
- The metabolic pathways may be compromised in more subtle ways by common lifestyle and dietary factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, toxicity, bacterial overgrowth, or drug effects, and may be associated with symptoms such as:
- Mood Disorders
- Fatigue
- Digestive Complaints
- Weight issues/Dietary Guidance
- Based on known metabolic pathways and enzyme-cofactor requirements, organic acids testing with the Metabolic Analysis Profile evaluates:
- Metabolic Analysis Markers
- Malabsorption Markers
- Bacterial Dysbiosis Markers
- Yeast/Fungal Dysbiosis Markers
- Cellular Energy & Mitochondrial Metabolites
- Carbohydrate Metabolism
- Energy Metabolism
- Fatty Acid Metabolism
- Neurotransmitter Metabolites
- Vitamin Markers
- Toxin & Detoxification Markers
- Tyrosine Metabolism
- Metabolic Analysis Markers
What Advantage Do Organic Acids Profiles Offer Compared to Other Diagnostics?
Dr. Roger J. Williams (the scientist who discovered panthothenic acid, vitamin B5) first coined the term “biochemical individuality” in 1956 to explain genetic variability in disease susceptibility, nutrient needs, and drug responsiveness among otherwise seemingly healthy people. Although practices are changing, the traditional medical model does not currently place emphasis on biochemical individuality.
The conventional clinical approach to nutrition-related symptoms does not routinely include utilization of comprehensive nutritional testing through organic acids analysis. When testing is performed, select vitamins are typically assessed in blood to determine if the level is sufficient to meet nutrient requirements based on healthy individuals. Organic acids testing aids in the identification of imbalances occurring in the body that may well precede abnormal findings on conventional serum laboratory panels. Organic acids testing allows greater insight into a patient’s biochemical individuality, leading to more targeted therapeutic recommendations.
What Can Clinicians and Patients Expect from Organic Acids Testing?
Organic acids testing with the Metabolic Analysis Profile can indicate the functional need for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, diet modification, detoxification, methylation support, or other therapies. The functional nutrient recommendations, based on data generated from the report, identifies subtle impairments in cellular function that may not be apparent on standard serum laboratory work-up.
What Does the Organic Acids Test Tell Us
It only requires a urine sample so it is easy to do, and it’s easy for children to do too. The sample is taken in the privacy of your home and then express posted back to the lab for analysis.
1.Energy Production
It measures the function of the Citric Acid cycle, which is how your body makes energy! Each step of this process requires certain vitamins and nutrients and by identifying which aspects of the cycle are not working optimally we know what nutrients are needed. If you have fatigue issues this maybe the key to identifying why. This part of the test is assessing your mitochondrial function.
Methylation is something that is becoming a big thing in health and wellness, many people are now taking advantage of 23andme to get their genes tested and find out how their genes affect their health. One important gene is MTHFR which affects folate metabolism, this test measures how well your cells are using folate and vitamin B12 which is another important component of methylation. Blood tests show how much folate and B12 is in the blood but your cells may not be able to use it so the Organic Acid test is more accurate at identifying deficiencies.
Oxidative stress is one of the driving factors behind inflammation and we can measure glutathione recycling and the body’s ability to produce Co-enzyme Q10.
The Organic Acid test measure fat metabolism, if you are having trouble losing weight this maybe an issue for you…. of if you have adopted a high fat diet but still feeling tired, this may mean that you are lacking key nutrients like carnitine to help turn fat into energy.
Carbohydrate metabolism is another important aspect and this section of the test can be helpful if you are having energy issues, poor blood sugar control or your an athlete wanting to optimize performance.
Bacterial Infections and Candida are also causes of inflammation and one of the driving forces behind digestive problems but also skin issues, fatigue, anxiety and many other health issues
The Organic Acid test measures the metabolites of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline, this can help to identify the cause behind health issues like anxiety, depression and insomnia.