Amino Acids - Urine
Significant progress in amino acid research has revealed a definitive link between amino acid imbalance and related symptomatology. This provides information on protein and nutrient cofactor adequacy, enzyme functionality, predisposition to various degenerative disorders, wasting syndromes, gastrointestinal dysfunction, neurological disorders, and impairments in detoxification, inborn errors of metabolism and a wide variety of clinical conditions.
In the Urinary Amino Acids test more than 40 analytes are measured, providing valuable information on metabolic and nutritional imbalances.
Using a first morning urine specimen, the test can identify current amino acid status and any existing imbalances. Results can be utilised in the design of specific replacement therapy, aimed at restoring balance where necessary.
Due to renal conservation of amino acids; urine levels typically drop before plasma levels. Urine is also not subject to the circadian rhythm variation in amino acids that is present in blood, and excesses or deficiencies over a period of time can be more easily assessed. For these reasons, a Urinary Amino Acids test is more likely to reveal marginal deficiencies.
Plasma amino acids analysis may be preferred if collecting urine is complicated. Other possible reasons for selecting plasma analysis include severe malnutrition, anorexia, haematuria conditions (including menstruation) and rheumatoid arthritis, where the common pattern of low histidine only shows in a plasma sample.
Please note that this test is performed by Genova Diagnostics for whom Healthscope Functional Pathology is the exclusive Australian distributor.
Amino Acids Tested:
Essential Amino Acids
Non-Essential Amino Acids
Intermediary Metabolites and Diagnostic Markers
Dietary Peptide Related Markers
