Amino Acids Analysis – Urine

Clinical Overview

What is the Amino Acid Analysis, FMV?

Amino acids play central roles as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. Amino acid metabolism may be compromised by common lifestyle and dietary factors, which may result in inadequate levels of essential amino acids and/or missing nutrient cofactors required for effective amino acid metabolism. Intervention with amino-acid supplementation and nutrient cofactors may be effective in conditions associated with inefficient amino acid metabolism.

Genova’s Amino Acid Analysis, FMV measures levels of key amino acids in urine. The amino acid levels in urine represent recent dietary intake and is most useful for assessing vitamin/mineral cofactors that affect amino acid metabolism.

The complete Amino Acid Analysis, FMV includes:

• Nutritionally Essential Amino Acids (11 analytes)
• Nonessential Protein Amino Acids (10 analytes)
• Intermediary Metabolites (14 analytes)
  • B-Vitamin Markers
  • Urea Cycle Markers
  • Glycine/Serine Metabolites
• Dietary-Peptide Related Markers (4 analytes)

The Amino Acid Analysis, FMV report provides for easy interpretation and enhanced clinical utility:

• Synthesized results and actionable areas of high need for supplementation:
  • Results Overview Cover Page – provides the busy clinician with an immediate sense of patient areas requiring focus
  • Suggested Supplement Schedule – provides personalized recommendations for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, and amino acids
  • Interpretation At-A-Glance – provides patients with valuable information about the function of individual nutrients, causes and complications of their deficiencies, and their dietary sources

When Should the Amino Acid Analysis, FMV Be Considered?

Clinical indications for testing include:

• Mood Disorders
• Weight Issues/Dietary Guidance
• Gaining insight into Dietary Protein Intake and Digestion/Absorption

The urine amino acid measurements in the Amino Acid FMV profile can help determine functional nutrient needs related to amino acid metabolism. Since the amino acid levels in urine represent dietary intake over the previous 24–48 hours, urine amino acid analysis reveals more distinctive patterns related to problems in enzymatic activity, nutrient cofactor adequacy, and transport. (Patients should be instructed to eat their standard diet during the 24–48 hour period prior to testing.) Since proteinuria can alter urine amino acid results, patients with this condition are better evaluated with Genova’s Amino Acid Analysis, Plasma profile.

What Advantage Does the Profile Offer Compared to Other Diagnostics?

Amino acid assessment can provide guidelines for dietary modification of protein intake and can indicate the functional need for:

• Nutrient cofactors (antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals)
• Specific amino acid supplementation
• Digestive support

An Interpretation-At-A-Glance section provides information on each recommended nutrient including nutrient function, possible causes of deficiency, complications of deficiency, and food sources. In addition, a supplementation schedule is provided, offering suggested replacement amounts based on test results.

What Can Clinicians and Patients Expect from Amino Acid Analysis, FMV Testing?

Imbalanced or insufficient amino acids can affect a wide range of body functions, producing symptoms that negatively affect the quality of life. A targeted nutritional assessment panel—such as the Amino Acid Analysis, FMV profile—provides clinical utility and supports the development of personalized treatments. Identification and targeted treatment of underlying imbalances with customized nutrient recommendations can enhance other treatments and increase the patients’ overall health and ability to combat chronic illness.