Indications

• Dietary guidance
• Insight into dietary protein intake and digestion/absorption
• Weight issues

Analytes:

Overview

This test is a convenient finger-stick amino acid test that can uncover problems in basic amino acid absorption by determining amino acid imbalances in the nine essential amino acids and two conditionally essential amino acids. Imbalanced or insufficient amino acids can affect a wide range of body functions, producing symptoms that negatively affect the quality of life. Intervention with a customized amino-acid supplement based on test results may be effective in conditions associated with inadequate amino acid intake and/or absorption.

Imbalanced or insufficient amino acids can affect a wide range of body functions, producing symptoms that negatively affect the quality of life. An assessment of essential and select conditionally essential amino acids provides clinical utility and supports the development of personalized treatments. A formula for a customized amino-acid blend is provided with each report, offering suggested replacement amounts based on test results.

Practical

Specimen requirements:

Dried bloodspot sample (DBS). (Only requires a shallow finger prick.)

Average processing time:

17 ±7 days

Please note that the proprietary amino acid blend is not available at the moment

Downloadable research

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with specific amino acid supplementation

Other research

• Aquilani R, Zuccarelli GC, Dioguardi FS, Baiardi P, Frustaglia A, Rutili C, Comi E, Catani M, Iadarola P, Viglio S. et al. Effects of oral amino acid supplementation on long-term-care-acquired infections in elderly patients. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2011;52(3):e123.

• Dunstan RH, McGregor NR, Butt HL, Roberts TK, Klineberg IJ, Niblett SH, Rothkirch T, Buttfield I. Characterization of differential amino acid homeostasis amongst population subgroups: A basis for determining specific acid requirements. JNEM. 2000;10(3):211–223.

• Eaton KK, Hunnisett A. Abnormalities in essential amino acids in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Nutr Environ Med. 2004;14(2):95–101.

• Sacks GS, Kudsk KA. In: Metabolic and Therapeutic Aspects of Amino Acids in Clinical Nutrition. Second. Cynober LA, editor. New York: CRC Press; 2004.