|
Organic Acids Test (OAT) - Nutritional & Metabolic Profile
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Description
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids. The cause of these high levels could include: oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, and genetic factors.
If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain. The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test.
The Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT) is ideal for follow-up to the OAT and is often recommended by practitioners looking for a specific abnormality, to monitor certain microbial imbalances, or to assess treatment efficacy.
| Interpretation of the Organic Acids Test by Dr. William Shaw |
Watch the video guide explaining the test report format:
U.S. Patent # 5,686,311 for specific OAT compounds
Certain uses of the compounds arabinose, citramalic, tartaric, 3-oxoglutaric, carboxycitric, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic (DHPPA), and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic (HPHPA) acids in their application to autism in the Organic Acids Test and Microbial Organic Acids Test are protected by USA patent 5,686,311 granted November 11, 1997.
Click here to view the Recommendations By Disorder Chart (PDF)
New Markers
The new and improved OAT has increased the number of tested compounds to 70 and two new ratios have been added. Descriptions of the new markers are listed below:
3-Hydroxyglutaric Acid – Marker for Genetic Disease
A metabolite associated with the genetic disease glutaric aciduria type I, which is due to a deficiency of glutaryl CoA dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan. In this disorder, other organic acids (glutaric and glutaconic) will be elevated. Treatment includes special diets low in lysine and supplementation with carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine.
3-Methylglutaconic Acid – Marker for Mitochondrial Disorder
Significant increase is due to a reduced ability to metabolize the amino acid leucine. This abnormality is found in the genetic disease methylglutaconic aciduria and in mitochondrial disorders. 3-methylglutaric acid may also be elevated. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10, NAD+, L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, biotin, and vitamin E may be useful.
4-Cresol – Marker for Bacteria Including Selected Clostridia
Indicates a possible overgrowth of intestinal bacteria that are specific p-cresol producers including selected Clostridia. 4-Cresol is a phenolic product poorly metabolized in children with autism. High-potency multi-strain probiotics may help rebalance GI flora.
Tricarballylic Acid – Marker for Exposure to Certain Fungal Contamination in Foods
A chemical by-product released from fumonisins during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Fumonisins are fungal toxins produced primarily by F. verticillioides. Elevated levels can be caused by the intake of corn or corn-based food contaminated with fumonisins.
Quinolinic Acid – Marker for Inflammation and Neurotoxicity
This acid derived from the amino acid tryptophan and can be neurotoxic at high levels. Quinolinic acid can over stimulate nerve cells, causing the cells to die. Brain toxicity due to this acid has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, autism, Huntington’s disease, stroke, dementia, depression, HIV-associated dementia, and schizophrenia.
Inorganic Phosphate – Marker for Bone Function/Vitamin D Deficiency
Low phosphate is associated with thyroid disorders, low nutritional phosphate intake, and vitamin D deficiency.
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid – Marker for Exposure to Parabens
This acid is a metabolite of methylparaben, an anti-fungal and a popular preservative added to food and cosmetics. Parabens may be linked to mitochondrial failure resulting in chronic fatigue. Hydroxybenzoic acids can also be produced from microbial metabolism of polyphenols in the diet. Parabens have been found at high levels in breast cancer samples, but a definitive relationship with breast cancer has not been demonstrated.
4-Hydroxyhippuric Acid – Marker for Exposure to Parabens
4-Hydroxyhippuic, like 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, is a metabolite of methylparaben. Higher levels of this compound can result from eating fruits rich in anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamates that are metabolized by gastrointestinal bacteria.
Malic Acid – Marker for Mitochondrial Dysfunction
When malic acid is elevated simultaneously with citric, fumaric, and alpha-ketoglutaric acids, it may cause Cytochrome C Oxidase Deficiency, a metabolic disorder disrupting energy production.
DHPPA – Marker for Beneficial Bacteria
Harmless or beneficial bacteria mediate the breakdown of chlorogenic acid to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPPA). High values of DHPPA are associated with increased amounts of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – Marker for Glutathione Precursor & Chelating Agent
NAC is a powerful antioxidant that increases glutathione reserves in the body. Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant and detoxification agent produced in the body. NAC reduces the toxicity of drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and protects against poisoning by mercury and other heavy metals.
Quinolinic Acid/5-HIAA Ratio – Marker for Neurotoxicity and Inflammation
A high ratio of quinolinic acid to the metabolite 5-hydoxyindole-acetic acid indicates excessive inflammation. High levels of these markers could be due to recurrent infections, immune overstimulation, high tryptophan intake, excessive adrenal production of cortisol, and frequent exposure to phthalates (chemical used in plastics and many household items).
Clinical Usefulness
|
Evaluate energy production |
|
Assess central nervous system function |
|
Evaluate integrity of intestinal wall |
|
Reveal high levels of GI yeast and bacteria |
|
Detect nutritional and antioxidant deficiencies |
|
Determine problems in fatty acid metabolism |
|
Identify excess oxalate |
Recommendations
Depending on test results, treatment could include:
|
Diet modification |
|
Probiotic and nutritional supplementation |
|
Oral anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medications |
|
Increase antioxidants |
|
Initiate detoxification protocols |
|
Follow-up genetic testing |
Testimonials
| Organic Acids Test by Elaine Hardy, MS, RN, APN, C |
| Organic Acids and Amino Acids and IgG Food Allergy Tests
by Kurt Woeller, D.O. |
“The Organic Acids Test has brought new meaning to my specialized practice in women’s health. This test has allowed me to investigate more deeply the chronic issues that often contribute to female related conditions like PMS, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, chronic UTIs and vulvodynia to name a few. I have had great a great deal of success in treating complicated PMS cases that didn’t respond to typical female hormone balancing therapies. Since utilizing the OAT it has provided me with a variety of information to determine the underlying cause of the female related issue. Some of the markers that I find valuable for women’s health issues are the bacterial and yeast metabolites, oxalates, B vitamins, vitamin C, and pyroglutamic acid. I have been so impressed with this test I can’t help but want to spread the word about its uses for various women’s health conditions!”
– Jennifer N., N.D.
“Thanks to the Organic Acids Test done in your lab we already have a diagnosis for our six-year-old son.
He has a metabolic disorder and is now on a very low fat diet (only polyunsaturated fats), rich in carbohydrates, taking vitamin B2, and avoiding any fasting. He improved extraordinarily and has shown changes and progress in language, and is characterized as almost normal in this area.
Thanks to the Organic Acids Test we have managed to save our son, who had autistic characteristics, which he no longer has. We wish to give this testimonial to parents so their children can benefit from doing metabolic testing."
– Susana M., Chile
Brochures
|
Analyte (Metabolite) List
Citramalic, 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic, 3-Oxoglutaric, Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic, Furancarbonylglycine, Tartaric, Arabinose, Carboxycitric, Tricarballylic, 2-Hydroxyphenylacetic, 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic, 4-Hydroxybenzoic, 4-Hydroxyhippuric, Hippuric, 3-Indoleacetic, Succinic, HPHPA (Clostridia marker), 4-Cresol (C. difficile), DHPPA (beneficial bacteria), Glyceric, Glycolic, Oxalic, Lactic, Pyruvic, 2-Hydroxybutyric, Fumaric, Malic, 2-Oxoglutaric, Aconitic, Citric, Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Vanillmandelic Acid (VMA), HVA/VMA Ratio, 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA), Quinolinic, Kynurenic, Quinolinic / 5-HIAA Ratio, Uracil, Thymine, 3-Hydroxybutyric, Acetoacetic, 4-Hydroxybutyric, Ethylmalonic, Methylsuccinic, Adipic, Suberic, Sebacic, Methylmalonic (Vitamin B12), Pyridoxic (Vitamin B6), Pantothenic (Vitamin B5), Glutaric (Vitamin B2-Riboflavin), Ascorbic (Vitamin C), 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (Vitamin Q10-CoQ10), N-Acetylcysteine (Glutathione precursor and chelating agent), Methylcitric (Vitamin H-Biotin), Pyroglutamic, Orotic, 2-Hydroxyhippuric, 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, 3-Methylglutaric, 3-Hydroxyglutaric, 3-Methylglutaconic, Phosphoric, Creatinine
Specimen Requirements
10 mL of first morning urine before food or drink is suggested. Patient should avoid apples, grapes (including raisins), pears, cranberries and their juices 24 hours prior to specimen collection.
CPT Codes
82131 82507 82570 83150 83497 83605 83921 (63 units) 83945 84207 84210 84585 84591
Kit Instructions
For urine instructions please click here.
Send this page to a friend
11813 W. 77th St., Lenexa, KS 66214 USA Phone: 913-341-8949 Fax: 913-341-6207 Submit a Question Site Map
Copyright © 2013 “The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc”