Functional Testing: Organic Acid Testing & It’s Importance

As humans we need ATP to sustain life. ATP is the energy our bodies use to perform cellular functions. To properly create ATP we need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (macronutrients). To take these substances and convert them into ATP, our body uses a metabolic pathway referred to as the Citric Acid Cycle. The Citric Acid Cycle is what supplies the body with its primary energy. Without proper energy production from the Citric Acid Cycle we feel fatigued, muscle pain, and our body may suffer from inflammation. 

Organic acids are a result obtained from metabolic pathways such as the Citric Acid Cycle. We need organic acids to ensure our cells and tissues have proper growth and maintenance. To ensure our body is properly functioning, we run an Organic Acid Test. This test checks the urine to see if there are any problems regarding the efficiency of our energy production. Essentially, if there is a problem with this cycle, build-up will occur and spill over into the urine if it can not be properly converted. Problems mainly arise when there is not enough of a specific nutrient our body needs to properly produce a product. 

We use Orangic Acid Testing to rule out gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the gastrointestinal tract and is oftentimes an underlying problem with chronic health conditions by creating constant inflammation. 

Diagnostics/Lab Testing

Although we utilize this specific test and many different lab companies to ensure our patients receive the best treatment, a specific sample report of an Organix Comprehensive test from Genova diagnostics is shown below. 

Organic Acid Testing allows us to see the pathways that are blocked and could be interfering with muscle and brain function. An example of a specific marker we look for is Lactate. In the skeletal muscle, the primary product of glucose metabolism is lactate. If lactate is high, patients often complain of muscle cramps, fatigue, and brain fog. If the marker comes back high, we consider supplementing with CoQ10 and essential B vitamins. 

Additionally, on top of supplementation these markers will reveal specific underlying imbalances that we can move to correct. With specific high markers of organic acids, we remove yeast overgrowth, reduce carbohydrate intake, move patients to a more ketogenic diet, reduce cholesterol, and increase exercise. 

Diagnostic testing is a key component in determining underlying factors that could be leading to your health conditions. Newer research has been revealing the intricate interconnection between the gastrointestinal tract and overall health. One factor that we educate all patients on is how diet not only impacts your organic acid levels but your microbiome as well. A large portion of our genes are expressed in the nervous system and are heavily impacted by environmental factors. Environmental factors include toxins, chemicals, and diet. We teach our patients that being healthy starts in the kitchen and ultimately ends up in your genes. By eating foods to reduce inflammation and promote the healthy bacteria in your gut, you are positively impacting your future by altering your genetic makeup. The genes you have today and not the genes you were born with. 

For more information, view the published article below:

Applying Genomics to Nutrition and Lifestyle Modification

“Gene-diet interactions that affect metabolic pathways relevant to disease risk are continuously being uncovered. Discoveries in the field of nutrigenomics demonstrate that some individuals may benefit from adhering to different dietary guidelines than others, depending on their genotype.” – Nielsen

One thing I can not stress enough to patients is diet. Especially with the new research emerging we see how connected and impactful a healthy diet is. Eating healthy does not have to be hard, and with the use of diagnostic lab testing we are able to create a personalized diet specifically for you. Getting rid of inflammation and improving overall health is easier and more precise with the use of testing and our new knowledge of diets and their genetic impact. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

References: 

Grisanti, Ronald. “Interpretation and Treatment of Organic Acid Panel — Energy and Oxidative Markers.” Functional medicine University. 2020, www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/257.cfm.