OAp - Organic Acids Profile Interpretive Guide
Section by Section Guide of Analytes Reported On The OAp™ - Organic Acids Profile
Energy & Mitochondrial Processing
Mitochondrial energy processing involves the conversion of dietary macronutrients into ATP through the processes of cellular respiration. This involves glycolysis, Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
Nutrition
Vitamins act as nutrient co-factors in metabolic functions. Vitamin levels are dependent on adequate dietary intake, intestinal absorption, and commensal bacteria. Diet, GI health, and gut bacteria should be evaluated when vitamin needs are identified.
Stress & Mood
Stress can lead to alterations in catecholamine and serotonin turnover metabolites. Tracking these metabolites provides insights into the physiological impact of stress on neurotransmitter dynamics.
Toxic Impacts
Markers of oxidative stress, toxin exposure, antioxidant defense, renal function, and metabolic health, aid in understanding overall physiological status and potential health risks.
Microbial Metabolites
Microbial metabolites are the byproducts of gut microbial action on compounds that reach the colon. Microbial fermentation of colonic protein and amino acids is called proteolytic fermentation. Fermentation of aromatic amino acids, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are known to have significant impacts on health and function. Common proteolytic metabolites such as, p-cresol, indoles, phenol, and ammonia, and thier metabolites, are considered harmful at elevated concentrations in the colon. Imblances of these markers can identify impaired digestion or increased endogenous production (increased mucus or bleeding), inadequate fiber or excess protein intake, or imbalanced gut microbes.
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