Orion Biomedica offers advanced organic acids testing as an essential tool in metabolic evaluation. Organic acids are byproducts of biochemical processes within the body and can reveal imbalances in energy production, nutritional status, detoxification capacity, neurochemistry, and microbiome health.
What Are Organic Acids and Why Are They Important?
Organic acids are intermediate compounds formed during the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, and neurotransmitters. Their analysis provides valuable insight into:
- Carbohydrate and fat metabolism
- Mitochondrial energy production (ATP synthesis)
- Breakdown of amino acids and neurotransmitters
- Microbial activity in the gut
Urine-based testing of organic acids can detect:
- Disruptions in mitochondrial function and energy production
- Oxidative and nitrosative stress
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (e.g., B vitamins, magnesium, Coenzyme Q10)
- Amino acid and fatty acid metabolism disorders
- Gut dysbiosis and candida overgrowth
- Toxic burden and impaired detoxification
When Is Organic Acids Testing Indicated?
This analysis is especially useful in cases of:
- Chronic fatigue, burnout, and low energy
- Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and autism
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
- Digestive issues: IBS, bloating, food intolerances
- Hormonal imbalances: thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
- Autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis
- Metabolic disturbances: diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity
How the Test Works
- Urine collection: A first-morning urine sample is provided by the patient
- Laboratory analysis: Organic acids are measured via advanced mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS or GC-MS)
- Comprehensive report: Identifies metabolic blocks, nutrient deficiencies, and biochemical imbalances
- Personalized treatment plan: Based on findings, an individualized strategy is developed, focusing on nutrition, supplementation, probiotics, and where appropriate, pharmacological support
Key Indicators in Organic Acids Testing
1. Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function
- Elevated lactate and pyruvate suggest impaired ATP production
- Ketone bodies such as β-hydroxybutyrate reflect fat oxidation capacity
- Citric acid cycle intermediates (e.g., citrate, succinate, malate) highlight potential energy production blocks
2. Vitamin and Mineral Status
- Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a marker of B12 deficiency
- Xanthurenic acid suggests B6 deficiency
- α-Ketoisovaleric acid may indicate B-complex deficiencies and amino acid metabolism disorders
3. Neurotransmitter Metabolism
- Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) reflects epinephrine/norepinephrine breakdown
- Homovanillic acid (HVA) indicates dopamine turnover
- 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) shows serotonin synthesis and metabolism
- Kynurenic acid assesses the balance of neuroprotective vs. neurotoxic metabolites
4. Gut Dysbiosis and Candida Overgrowth
- D-Arabinitol is a marker of candida infection
- Citramalic acid indicates anaerobic bacterial overgrowth
- Hydroxybenzoic acid suggests coliform bacterial imbalance
Treatment Strategies Guided by the Results
- Energy metabolism optimization: Coenzyme Q10, B-complex vitamins, magnesium, L-carnitine
- Neurotransmitter support: Tryptophan and tyrosine for serotonin/dopamine; anti-inflammatory agents such as omega-3 and curcumin
- Microbiome restoration: Probiotics, prebiotics, and antifungal agents if candida overgrowth is present
- Detoxification and oxidative stress reduction: Glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, and vitamin C
Benefits of Organic Acids Testing
- Maps mitochondrial energy production and detoxification potential
- Reveals hidden vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Illuminates the biochemical link between metabolism, immunity, and mental health
- Supports precise, individualized therapeutic approaches
- Suitable for both acute symptoms and complex chronic conditions
📞 For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orion Biomedica.