What are Organic acids.
Organic acids are the by-products of metabolism for many different reactions.
What is measured in an Organic Acid test?
- Systemic Yeast and Bacterial Dysbiosis:
Compounds like systemic yeast, bacteria, mold and fungus all excrete organic acids as a by-product of metabolism. Additionally, most chemical reactions in the body excrete organic acids as a by-product of metabolic function. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating gas diarrhea and cramping are often associated with bacterial dysbiosis and systemic yeast. As a result, these levels and the metabolic damage caused to immunological, hormone, gastrointestinal and nutritional balance can be measured in the urine through an Organic Acid test. - Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
When the mitochondria in the cell converts sugar to energy the by products are organic acids. Mitochondrial function is essential for adequate neurological and immunological function. Disruption to Mitochondrial function can result in cognitive decline, chronic fatigue, muscle wasting and immunological weakness. - Neurotransmitters:
Chronic gastrointestinal disorders can lead to imbalances in a category of hormones called neurotransmitters which can affect energy, motivation, depression, neurological function, sleep, focus and many other behavioral disorders. When neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, GABA, Epinephrine and Dopamine convert to usable sources organic acids are a by-product of this reaction and therefore are evaluated in the Organic Acid testing. - Fatty Acids:
Research continues to demonstrate the value of proper Fatty Acid balance and as a result many studies suggest the utilization of nutritional compounds like Fish oils as a supplement to diet. When fatty acids are utilized for gastrointestinal neurological and immunological function there is a by-product of organic acids excreted and can be measured in the Organic Acid test. - Toxicity:
The concern for toxicity in our environment, water and food supply continues to demand great attention. Glutathione which is the body's most effective detoxification pathway excretes organic acids during function allowing the test to access for potential toxicity. - Nutritional Imbalances:
The utilization of amino acids and vitamins causes the excretion of organic acids in the urine. As a result, many nutritional imbalances can be measured through this test including vitamin C, vitamin D utilization, B12, B5, B6 amino acids levels and many more.
Since organic acids are a by-product of metabolism excreted in the urine, they can easily be measured in a urine collection test. For more information on all the benefits of an organic acid test and a more complete detail description of what the test looks like and the various compounds that are tested click on the link below to download a PDF from Great Plains Laboratories.