Description
Tired of guessing what’s behind your fatigue, mood changes, or gut issues? The Organic Acids Test gives you answers in one simple urine sample. It uncovers nutrient deficiencies, energy blockages, yeast or bacterial overgrowth and even neurotransmitter imbalances – all things regular blood tests miss. With the OAT, you finally get a clear roadmap to feel like yourself again.
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behaviour disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.
Our Organic Acids Test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.
If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain. The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test.
Analytes measured
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) measures a broad range of urinary organic acid markers, providing insight into gut microbial activity, nutrient status, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter pathways and detoxification processes.
Gut microbial and yeast markers
- Arabinose
- Tartaric Acid
- Citramalic Acid
- Tricarballylic Acid
- Carboxycitric Acid
- Hippuric Acid
- 4-Hydroxyhippuric Acid
- 2-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid
- 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid
- DHPPA (beneficial bacteria marker)
- HPHPA (Clostridia marker)
- 4-Cresol (C. difficile–associated)
- 3-Indoleacetic Acid
Mitochondrial function & energy metabolism
- Citric Acid
- Aconitic Acid
- Isocitric Acid
- α-Ketoglutaric Acid
- Succinic Acid
- Fumaric Acid
- Malic Acid
- Pyruvic Acid
- Lactic Acid
- 3-Methylglutaric Acid
- 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaric Acid
Fatty acid oxidation & carbohydrate metabolism
- Adipic Acid
- Suberic Acid
- Sebacic Acid
- Ethylmalonic Acid
- Methylsuccinic Acid
- 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid
- Acetoacetic Acid
Neurotransmitter metabolites
- Homovanillic Acid (HVA)
- Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
- DOPAC
- 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA)
- Quinolinic Acid
- Kynurenic Acid
Nutritional organic acids
- Methylmalonic Acid (Vitamin B12)
- Pyridoxic Acid (Vitamin B6)
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
- Glutaric Acid (Riboflavin – B2)
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Pyroglutamic Acid (Glutathione status)
- Orotic Acid
This test measures over 70 organic acid markers. Marker groupings are shown here for clarity and clinical relevance.
Turnaround time
Results are typically available within 12–14 days from the laboratory receiving your sample.
This timeframe allows for laboratory analysis and reporting. Occasionally, results may take slightly longer during particularly busy periods.
Specimen requirements
Sample type: Urine (10 mL)
A first morning urine sample is recommended, collected before food or drink where possible.
Please avoid the following for 24 hours before collection:
- Apples
- Grapes (including raisins)
- Pears
- Cranberries and their juices
Please avoid the following for 12 hours before collection:
- Arabinogalactan
- Echinacea
- Reishi mushrooms
- Ribose supplements
These restrictions help reduce the risk of dietary or supplement-related interference with test results.
