Description
Organic Acids Test (OAT) – Urine
A wide-ranging urine test measuring 70+ organic acid metabolites that reflect various aspects of metabolism and physiology. This test can reveal imbalances in gut microbiome byproducts (yeast/bacterial overgrowth markers), mitochondrial energy production (Krebs cycle intermediates), neurotransmitter turnover (e.g. homovanillate for dopamine, 5-HIAA for serotonin), nutritional status (vitamin markers), and detoxification or oxidative stress levels.
Clinicians utilize the OAT for a broad overview in complex chronic conditions – for instance, it might show high arabinose (sign of Candida overgrowth) or elevated lactate (impaired mitochondrial function) that could explain fatigue. It is especially common in functional and integrative medicine for conditions like autism spectrum disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and mood disorders, where multiple subtle metabolic derangements may contribute to symptoms.
By addressing the abnormalities (like supplementing deficient nutrients or treating dysbiosis), practitioners aim to improve overall health.
Categories by Disease
- Metabolic disorders (inborn errors of metabolism or acquired mitochondrial dysfunction)
- Gastrointestinal dysbiosis
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders
Categories by Symptoms
- Fatigue, brain fog, mood disturbances (anxiety, depression)
- Digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea)
- Developmental delays or behavioral issues in children
Categories by Lifestyle
- Poor diet or malabsorption (nutrient deficits)
- Chronic antibiotic use (leading to yeast overgrowth)
- Environmental toxin exposure (affecting detox markers)
Categories by Diagnostic Methods
- Urine GC-MS/LC-MS analysis of organic acids
- Quantitative measurement of dozens of metabolites
- Metabolic pathway interpretation (Krebs cycle, neurotransmitter breakdown, etc.)
