OAT Test – Organic Acids Test
The organic acids test is a comprehensive assessment that assesses over 70 different urinary metabolite markers. Urinary metabolites are small by-products from the body’s cellular activity accurate way to assess levels of various markers in the body.
The organic acids test, in my opinion, is the single most comprehensive test available that provides a wide range of metabolic information about the patient.
The Organic Acids test measures bacterial overgrowth, yeast and fungal overgrowth. Moreover, it also measures various B vitamin levels, antioxidants, neurotransmitter levels, detoxification, oxalate levels, fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function.
The organic acids test is a urine test that executes in the convenience of your own home. They collect your first-morning urine, frozen overnight and then transport to the lab in the USA.
Organic Acids Test - clinically significant primary test areas
Yeast & Bacteria
The organic acids test we utilise provides a complete analysis of both beneficial and harmful bacteria as well as various levels of fungus and yeast in the body. It also specifically detects Clostridia.
Clostridia is a bacteria that can inhibit the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. It further contributes to depression, autism, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Clostridia also involve with various gastrointestinal tract conditions including irritable bowel disease.
The measurement of yeasts including candida is important due to the toxic build up produced by them. It further contributes to intestinal permeability, food allergies, absorption issues, skin conditions, cravings and fatigue.
Neurotransmitters
The organic acids test measures various metabolites of the neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These metabolites give an accurate representation of the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, providing vital patient information prior to supplementation.
The neurotransmitter levels are critical to ascertain with patients that are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar or other mental health condition.
Vitamins & Antioxidant levels
The OAT test measures the metabolites to ascertain a variety of key vitamin and antioxidant levels in the body. Key markers that are tested include vitamin B12, B6, B2, B5, Co Q10, N-acetyl cysteine and Biotin.
Deficiencies with these nutrients can impair methylation, impair the production of neurotransmitters, and are widely associated in chronic disease and mental health conditions.
Mitochondria Energy Production
Mitochondria are the energy organelles of our cells, involve the metabolism of chemicals to produce vital substances within the body. They involve in hormone production, processing of neurotransmitters, and cholesterol metabolism.
The organic acids test measures a number of markers that can indicate if there are blocks within the energy pathways of the patient. These cycles include the Krebs cycle, methylation and amino acid pathways.
Fatty Acid Metabolism
The Oat test measures a variety of fatty acid metabolites and ketones. When these levels rise, they associates with a variety of potential health issues such as protein deficiency, diabetes, fungal overgrowth, hypoglycaemia and fatigue.
Oxalates
The Oat test also measures levels of oxalates. Oxalates are crystals that form in the body after deriving from oxalic acids. Oxalic acid levels rise in the body with patients on a high oxalate diet, with candida or fungus overgrowth or with metabolic disruption such as pyrrole disorder.
Foods high in oxalates include spinach, beets, berries, peanuts, cashews, kale and chocolate. Oxalates can form in the kidneys to produce kidneys stones. However, form in many other areas of the body such as joints, the eyes, brain, lungs and thyroid, causing pain and dysfunction.
Symptoms of high oxalates include kidney stones, low B6 that causes neurological symptoms, aches and pains and many other systemic imbalances.
Detoxification
The organic acids test measures key detoxification markers including glutathione levels. Glutathione is one pf the most important anxtioxidants in the body and heavily involved in phase 2 liver detoxification. Low levels of glutathione are associated with a range of health concerns including toxicity build up and the accumulation of heavy metals. Low levels of glutathione are often seen in chronic health conditions such as autism.
Orotic acid is another marker assessed by the OAT test. It is a key indicator of increased ammonia levels. Elevated ammonia levels affect the brain and cause headaches, brain fog, poor concentration, anxiety and insomnia.
Organic Acids Test Summary
The Organic Acids Test is a very thorough all round test that covers a number of key areas that may be contributing to chronic health conditions. It identifies key markers as discussed above and provides key insight into conditions such as
- mental health disorders & neurological imbalances
- overgrowth of bacteria, fungus and clostridia
- mitochondrial and genetic diseases
- chronic gastrointestinal and inflammation disorders
- Energy and amino acid metabolism
Organic Acid Test Pricing
The Organic Acids test cost $430, plus $20 to cover courier fees to the lab. The test is completed in the comfort of your own home and results take approximately 4 weeks to return to our clinic.
To order an Organic Acids Test (OAT test), please contact our clinic.
It is advisable to have an initial appointment with one of our practitioners prior to ordering any testing. There may be different or additional testing that is recommended based on your presenting symptoms and health concerns.