About Organic Acids
Organic Acids are chemical compounds which are used in essential metabolic processes of the body, these metabolic processes govern how your body changes food into the energy the body needs to grow, breath and function.
Organic acids are derived from the breakdown of protein, fat and carbohydrates from our diets and are used to generate cellular energy and provide the building blocks which are needed for all our cells to function.
How do Organic Acids work?
Organic Acids are the intermediary metabolites used in all metabolic processes in the body.
This means that they are used in the sequential steps (cycles) needed to complete the metabolic process. The metabolic processes include energy creation, through breaking down carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins, neurotransmitter metabolism, detoxification and digestion. Enzymes are needed to convert organic acids to into the next metabolite needed in the cycle.
Our genes provide instructions for making proteins and enzymes, if there is a change / irregularity in these genes it can result in a breakdown in the cycle. Some enzymes require assistance from vitamins and minerals (called cofactors) for optimal functionality; insufficient levels of these cofactors could also affect the metabolic cycle. This would lead to abnormal levels of certain Organic Acids which may signal that the body is not functioning as it should.
What is Organic Acid Testing
The Organic Acids Test provides a metabolic snapshot of your overall health through an evaluation of your metabolism, nutritional insufficiencies as well as the function of your gut.
The test analyses groups of various metabolic intermediates to determine the how well your body is functioning.
Various internal and external factors may influence your Organic Acid levels including oral antibiotic intake, high carbohydrate, fatty acid or protein diets, immune or nutrition deficiencies, acquired (chronic/acute) infections, or certain genetic factors.
What can you expect from Organic Acid Testing
Using the results, a Health Care Practitioner can determine the need for specific nutrients, diet modification, antioxidant protection, detoxification, or other therapies.
It can also assess any imbalances which may exist in your gut. Your Health Care Practitioner can individual tailor their treatments which may enhance other treatments, increase your overall health outcomes and their ability to combat chronic illness.
People have noted health improvements such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain when following their tailored treatment recommendations.
When to do an Organic Acid Test
An Organic Acid test may be beneficial if you are suffering from mood disorders, fatigue, digestive complaints and weight issues, or for people simply looking for general health and dietary guidance or even sports-performance optimization.
This may also be beneficial for individuals with autism, mental health problems, autoimmune disorders, cancer and sleep disturbances. Gut disturbances have been recognized as a contributing factor to behaviour and movement disorders and hyperactivity, it may also affect energy production and immune function.
About Amino Acids
Amino Acids are the building blocks of a protein and are essential for maintaining a healthy body. Proteins are required for structural integrity of all tissues and organs and chemical processes occurring within all living cells or organisms necessary for the preservation of life. Amino Acids also play a key role in energy production, transport and storage of nutrients, which influence the function of our organs, glands, tendons and arteries. They too are essential for repairing tissues, healing wounds and removing waste deposits.
Amino Acids are classified as essential and non-essential. Your body doesn’t store all amino acids and daily supply through a healthy diet ensures adequate levels of essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are still needed in your body, but as they are made by your body they do not form an essential part of your diet.
How do Amino Acids work?
In order for Amino Acids to work in the body they need to be broken down (known as Amino Acid metabolism) for which enzymes are needed.
Some enzymes require assistance from vitamins and minerals (called cofactors) for optimal functionality. Our genes provide instructions for making proteins and enzymes, if there is a change / irregularity in these genes it can result in an abnormal build-up of amino acids. This may signal that the body is not functioning as it should.
What is Amino Acid Testing
Amino Acid testing determines if the level of any particular amino acid is high or low.
This may indicate a deficiency in enzymes or cofactors (vitamins and minerals) which are producing specific amino acids. It may also indicate a gene irregularity which is affecting the make-up and then function of an enzyme or protein. As a result, the body cannot utilise essential components within the diet to produce sufficient energy for optimal body function.
What can you expect from Amino Acid Testing
The test indicates the need for certain nutrients and minerals, amino acid supplements and metabolism support.
Personalised and targeted treatment of underlying imbalances using nutrient recommendations may play a role in treating chronic disease and overall health.
When to do an Amino Acid Test
An Amino Acid test may be beneficial if you are experiencing health issues such as fatigue, problems with your mood, sleep, attention and focusing.
An imbalance may be a contributing factor in disorders such as ADD, depression, anxiety, Tourette syndrome, TIC disorder, OCD and seizures. It may also be applicable when experiencing poor immune function or other chronic illnesses. If you have weight issues and would like some dietary guidance or insights into protein intake, digestion or nutrient absorption you may also benefit from testing.
The test result will have to be interpreted by your health care provider.
Testing Procedure
Your Health Care Provider will recommend you have the Test and will sign a Test Requisition Form (TRF) and give it to you for completion.
Email / WhatsApp a copy of this form to info@biometrixlabs.co.za / 064 406 7311 to register.
Biometrix Labs will send you an invoice.
Once payment is received, you will be sent a collection kit.
Follow the instructions on foods and medications to be avoided prior to urine collection.
Collect your urine sample – then secure the cup lid tightly, wrap it with the Ice Packs provided, secure them and place it all in the freezer.
Request collection of your sample. Collection can only happen once your sample has been frozen for at least 48 hours.
Your sample is couriered to the laboratory for testing
Result turnaround time is 2-3 weeks.
Biometrix Labs will send your results to your Health Care Provider, who will interpret them for you.