The Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides a metabolic “snapshot” based on those products the body discarded during urination. These small organic acid molecules are byproducts of human cellular activity, the digestion of foods, and the life cycles of gastrointestinal flora. Organic acids in urine may be toxic at certain levels or may simply be “markers” of metabolic pathways. One distinction that makes The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. OAT test so popular is the ability of this profile to reliably detect the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria species commonly missed by conventional culture methods. Metabolites of yeast or gastrointestinal bacteria appear against the background of normal human metabolites and provide a real-time assessment of yeast and bacterial activity. These organisms can produce or exacerbate symptoms in many conditions and often affect other metabolic processes assessed in the OAT.
Additional pathways of interest include products of carbohydrate digestion, mitochondrial function which produces most cellular energy, many vitamin levels, neurotransmitter metabolites, fatty acid oxidation abnormalities or ketosis, oxalate levels, and inborn errors of metabolism. The Organic Acids Test evaluates all of the well-defined inborn errors
of metabolism that can be detected with this technology (called GC/MS)
such as PKU, maple-syrup urine disease, and many others. In addition,
we check for many other abnormalities such as vitamin deficiencies and
abnormal metabolism of catecholamines, dopamine, and serotonin. We currently
quantitate 65 substances, but also evaluate other substances that are
not quantitated. Some of the other biochemical abnormalities common in
autism include elevated uracil and elevated glutaric acid. The Organic Acids Test results are essential to the overall assessment of the patient with chronic illness.
Once any abnormalities are detected, there are a variety of treatment options available to correct the condition. Some of the improvements that have been reported to us during and after treatment include: decreased fatigue, regular bowel movements, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, better eye contact, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, better sleeping habits, and decreased abdominal pain.
"I would like to tell you that thanks to the Organic Acids Test done in your lab we already have a diagnosis for our son F. of 6 years old.
He has a disorder of the fatty acids b-oxidation (metabolic error) known as the deficit of the short-chain AcylCoA dehydrogenase). He is now on the very low fat diet (only polyunsaturated fats), rich in carbohydrates, vitamin B2 and avoiding any fasting. He improved extraordinarily and has shown changes and important progress in the language, which would characterize him as almost normal.
Thanks to the Organic Acids Test we have managed to save our son who had various autistic characteristics, which he no longer has. We wish to give this testimonial to many parents who can benefit by doing metabolic testing for their children and find out if anything inside them is malfunctioning."
– Susana M., Chile
"I am sending this information in an attempt to describe the changes we have seen in our daughter, L...since beginning an anti-yeast program. We began this program December 7, 1995 after receiving her results from your Organic Acids Test. Her original diagnosis is PDD-NOS.
After the initial reaction, we noticed immediate improvement with regard to her early morning moods. When she awakens now she is generally happy. Before the program her morning would begin with screams and tears or sometimes happiness--we never knew who would wake up in the morning. We also noticed dramatic increase in her social language. Before the program her verbalizations consisted of her needs. Now she actually uses her language to communicate experiences and to tattle on her older sister--very typical! We have not seen the giddy laughter since beginning the program and the rash under her lip has disappeared. We are extremely happy with the positive changes we have seen with L..."
Measures 65 important compounds as indicators of overall health
Focuses on detecting yeast and bacteria byproducts that have been implicated in many disorders
Requires a first-morning urine; specific dietary restrictions (see specific instructions).
Telephone consultation covering results is included at no extra cost
Offers the most comprehensive OAT test
Certain uses of the compounds arabinose and citramalic, tartaric, 3-oxoglutaric, carboxycitric, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid, and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid in their application to autism in the organic acid test protected by USA patent 5,686,311 granted November 11, 1997
Recommendations
Depending on test results, your physician may offer these suggestions:
Oral anti-fungal or anti-bacterial (anaerobic) medications
Increase intake of vitamins and antioxidants
Dietary supplementation, primarily with nutrients which increase the quantity of beneficial bacteria (e.g. lactobacilli) in the gastrointestinal tract
The turn around time for this test is 1-3 weeks, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Specimen Requirements
5 mL of urine is the absolute minimum. 10 mL of urine is preferred. First morning urine before food or drink is preferred. Patient must avoid apples, grapes (including raisins), pears, cranberries and their juices 24 hours prior to the specimen collection.