Urine organic acid testing is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with inborn errors of organic acid metabolism, inborn errors of amino acid metabolism, urea cycle defects, and defects of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Organic acids are compounds produced within the body in the course of metabolism. Metabolism is the totality of biochemical reactions taking place to “run” your body. Organic acid analysis gives us insight into our metabolism. Our state of metabolism determines our state of health and is the result of an interplay of our genes, thoughts, beliefs, diet, lifestyle and other environmental factors.

Forty-seven organic acids are measured from a morning urine specimen. The laboratory’s test report groups the organic acids into three general areas: 1. nutrient markers, 2. cell regulation markers, and 3. toxicants and detoxification. Each of these areas is further subdivided. An organic acid analysis can reveal an individual’s metabolic strengths and weaknesses. What we see with this test is the end result of an interplay of the individual’s genetic make-up and environmental and lifestyle factors.