A functional test providing insight into metabolism and nutritional status
The Organic Acids Test is a urine-based functional test that measures a range of metabolites produced by normal cellular processes.
It can provide useful information about areas such as energy metabolism, nutrient markers and certain microbial metabolites, helping to build a broader picture of how the body is functioning.
I offer OAT testing where I feel it may provide useful additional information alongside your symptoms, health history and other investigations.
An OAT isn't a diagnostic test and isn't something everyone needs. Whether an OAT is appropriate is considered as part of your wider health assessment.
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
What is an Organic Acids Test?
Organic acids are compounds produced as part of normal metabolism and are excreted in the urine. Measuring them can provide a snapshot of a number of biochemical processes taking place within the body.
An OAT contains numerous markers that can provide information relating to areas such as energy production, nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress and certain metabolites associated with microorganisms in the gut.
The results need to be interpreted in context. An abnormal marker doesn't necessarily identify a particular condition or tell us, on its own, why a symptom is occurring. This is why I review the results alongside your health history, symptoms and other relevant information.
What can an OAT tell us?
Energy metabolism
Organic acid markers can provide information about pathways involved in cellular energy production and how efficiently certain metabolic processes are functioning.
Nutrient markers
Some markers can provide useful information relating to the functional need for nutrients involved in metabolism, including certain B vitamins and antioxidants.
Oxidative stress
The test includes markers that can contribute to our understanding of oxidative stress and the body's antioxidant processes.
Gut microbial metabolites
Certain organic acids can be associated with the metabolic activity of bacteria or yeast within the gastrointestinal tract. These findings need to be interpreted alongside symptoms and other investigations.
Neurotransmitter metabolism
Some markers relate to pathways involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. They don't directly measure levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
Detoxification & metabolism
Selected markers can provide information relating to metabolic pathways involved in processing and eliminating compounds from the body.
An OAT provides clues rather than diagnoses. Individual markers are interpreted together and in the context of your wider health picture.
Organic Acids Test + Results Consultation
Includes home test kit, laboratory analysis and a 60-minute results consultation.
How the test works
The Organic Acids Test is completed at home using a urine sample, so there is no need to attend a laboratory
.
Your test kit is sent to you with full collection instructions. You'll collect a urine sample at home and return it to the laboratory using the packaging provided.
Once the laboratory has completed the analysis, I will review your results before your consultation.
Your results consultation
An OAT contains a large amount of information, so interpretation is an important part of the process.
During your results consultation, we'll go through the findings that are most relevant to you and consider them alongside your symptoms and health history. I'll then explain any nutritional, dietary or lifestyle recommendations that may be appropriate.