Organic Acids Test (OAT): A Deep Window Into Your Body’s Underlying Metabolism

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A person’s overall metabolic state can be measured using various organic acids in the urine. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive snapshot of your body’s metabolic processes. By analyzing over 70 markers in your urine, this test can provide crucial insights into various aspects of your health, including energy production, nutrient absorption, and detoxification capabilities. Understanding these biomarkers can help in identifying underlying issues that routine tests might miss. You can order an Organic Acids Test (OAT) online without a prescription.

Why Choose the Mosaic Organic Acids Test (OAT)?

The Mosaic Organic Acids Test stands out for its comprehensive scope. While many organic acid panels assess only the basics, this test includes a broader range of markers across multiple metabolic categories. That means more insight and fewer missed patterns.

This expanded panel evaluates over 70 markers across systems including:

• Energy metabolism: Krebs cycle, ketones, and mitochondrial stress
• Neurotransmitter balance: Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and their breakdown products
• Gut health: Fungal, bacterial, and Clostridia metabolites
• Detoxification function: Glutathione demand, chemical exposure, and oxidative stress
• Nutrient status: B-vitamin metabolites and cofactor sufficiency
• Amino acid and branched-chain metabolism: Including uncommon intermediates like 3-methylglutaconic and 2-oxo acids

Most OATs cover the essentials. The Mosaic test offers a deeper look—useful when symptoms are complex, chronic, or unexplained by routine labs. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, mood changes, brain fog, or digestive complaints, this test can reveal patterns often missed by narrower panels.

It’s ideal for people who want to go beyond surface-level testing and get a more complete view of how their metabolism is functioning. This includes clients working with integrative practitioners or those exploring root-cause factors on their own with professional interpretation.

Markers on Mosaic’s Organic Acids Test

🔋 Energy Metabolism Markers

• 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid: A ketone body; elevated levels suggest increased fat metabolism or ketosis.
• Acetoacetic Acid: Another ketone body; rises in fasting, ketogenic diets, or uncontrolled diabetes.
• Pyruvic Acid: A key glycolysis intermediate; elevated levels may indicate impaired carbohydrate metabolism or mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Lactic Acid: End product of anaerobic metabolism; often elevated in hypoxia or mitochondrial disorders.
• Citric Acid: A central intermediate in the Krebs cycle; used to assess energy production capacity.
• Aconitic Acid: Part of the citric acid cycle; elevations may reflect disruptions in mitochondrial metabolism.
• Succinic Acid: Krebs cycle intermediate; high levels may signal mitochondrial or B-vitamin deficiencies.
• Fumaric Acid: Linked to mitochondrial energy production; elevation may suggest a block in the TCA cycle.
• Malic Acid: Another Krebs cycle intermediate; low levels may reflect reduced mitochondrial throughput.
• Oxalic Acid: Byproduct of glyoxylate metabolism; can accumulate in mitochondrial dysfunction or oxalate overproduction.
• Methylcitric Acid: Marker for impaired propionate metabolism; may point to biotin or B12 deficiency.
• Glutaric Acid: Related to lysine and tryptophan metabolism; elevated in glutaric aciduria or impaired mitochondrial function.
• Methylmalonic Acid: Sensitive indicator of B12 deficiency; elevation suggests impaired methylmalonyl-CoA metabolism.

🧠 Neurotransmitter Markers

• 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA): Serotonin metabolite; low levels may suggest serotonin deficiency.
• Homovanillic Acid (HVA): Dopamine metabolite; reflects dopamine activity and metabolism.
• Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA): End product of norepinephrine and epinephrine metabolism; may rise in stress or adrenal overactivity.
• Kynurenic Acid: Neuroprotective metabolite of tryptophan; imbalance with quinolinic acid may indicate inflammation.
• Quinolinic Acid: Neurotoxic tryptophan metabolite; elevated levels may indicate neuroinflammation or excitotoxicity.
• 3-Indoleacetic Acid: Gut-derived tryptophan metabolite; may reflect microbial imbalance.
• Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid (DOPAC): Intracellular dopamine breakdown product.
• Dihydroxyphenylpropionic Acid: Tyrosine-related compound; may be elevated in dysbiosis or catecholamine metabolism imbalance.
• HVA/DOPAC Ratio: Indicates dopamine synthesis vs. breakdown balance.
• HVA/VMA Ratio: Reflects balance between dopamine and norepinephrine metabolism.

🦠 Gut Dysbiosis Markers

• 4-Cresol: Clostridia-related toxin; elevated in dysbiosis.
• Arabinose: Yeast overgrowth marker; often linked to Candida.
• Hippuric Acid: Xenobiotic and microbial detox marker; may reflect environmental exposure or overgrowth.
• Phenyllactic Acid: Microbial fermentation byproduct of phenylalanine.
• Phenylpyruvic Acid: May be elevated with bacterial overgrowth or protein fermentation.
• 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid: Microbial and environmental metabolite.
• 4-Hydroxyhippuric Acid: Reflects polyphenol metabolism by gut flora.
• 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid: Tyrosine metabolite; seen in microbial dysbiosis.
• 4-Hydroxyphenyllactic Acid: Often elevated in bacterial overgrowth.
• 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic Acid: A Clostridia metabolite associated with toxicity.
• Tartaric Acid: Fungal metabolite; commonly elevated with yeast overgrowth.
• Citramalic Acid: Produced by Candida; a marker for fungal imbalance.

♻️ Detoxification Markers

• Pyroglutamic Acid: Reflects glutathione turnover; elevated with oxidative stress.
• Oxalic Acid: Can indicate oxalate load, B6 deficiency, or mitochondrial dysfunction.
• 2-Hydroxyhippuric Acid: Metabolite of aromatic compounds; may indicate detox burden.
• Mandelic Acid: Marker for solvent (styrene) exposure.
• Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic Acid: May be linked to oxidative stress or high fructose intake.
• Furancarbonylglycine: Associated with mitochondrial load or toxin burden.
• Carboxycitric Acid: Related to Krebs cycle; may reflect impaired detox or microbial fermentation.
• Sebacic Acid: Dicarboxylic acid from fatty acid oxidation; elevated in peroxisomal dysfunction.
• Suberic Acid: Also related to impaired beta-oxidation and oxidative stress.
• Adipic Acid: May indicate fatty acid metabolism disruption or chemical exposure.
• Malonic Acid: Inhibits succinate dehydrogenase; elevated in mitochondrial dysfunction.

🍊 Vitamin and Nutrient Markers

• Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C marker; low levels suggest antioxidant deficiency.
• Pantothenic Acid: Vitamin B5 marker; required for CoA production.
• Pyridoxic Acid: B6 metabolite; reflects intake and demand.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine: Precursor to glutathione; reflects antioxidant capacity.
• N-Acetylaspartic Acid: Brain-derived metabolite; elevations may reflect neurological stress.
• Thymine: DNA base; may rise with folate/B12 imbalance.
• Uracil: DNA precursor; often elevated in folate/B12 deficiency.
• Phosphoric Acid: General phosphate metabolism; may reflect energy or bone metabolism.

🧬 Additional Metabolic Markers

• 2-Hydroxybutyric Acid: Elevated in oxidative stress and insulin resistance.
• 2-Hydroxyisocaproic Acid: Leucine metabolite; reflects BCAA metabolism.
• 2-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid: Valine metabolite; elevated in B-vitamin deficiency or mitochondrial stress.
• 2-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid: Tyrosine-derived; may reflect gut dysbiosis.
• 2-Oxo-4-methiolbutyric Acid: Methionine pathway intermediate; sulfur metabolism marker.
• 2-Oxoglutaric Acid: Krebs cycle and nitrogen metabolism intermediate.
• 2-Oxoisocaproic Acid: Leucine keto acid; involved in BCAA processing.
• 2-Oxoisovaleric Acid: Valine keto acid; elevated in mitochondrial dysfunction.
• 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric Acid: From isoleucine; a marker for BCAA metabolism.
• 3-Methylglutaconic Acid: Associated with mitochondrial disorders.
• 3-Methylglutaric Acid: May reflect mitochondrial energy deficits.
• 3-OH-3-Methylglutaric Acid: Related to ketone metabolism and oxidative stress.
• 3-Oxoglutaric Acid: TCA cycle disruption or oxidative burden marker.
• 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic Acid: Linked to furan exposure or carbohydrate fermentation.
• Orotic Acid: Pyrimidine synthesis intermediate; elevated in urea cycle dysfunction.
• Methylsuccinic Acid: May indicate microbial imbalance or energy metabolism defect.
• Tricarballylic Acid: Possibly microbial or diet-derived; associated with toxin exposure.

Who Should Consider This Test?

• People with Suspected Nutrient Deficiencies: Markers like Methylmalonic Acid in Organic Acids Test (OAT) can indicate vitamin B12 deficiency. Identifying such deficiencies allows for targeted nutritional interventions to correct them and improve overall health.
• Individuals with Gut Dysbiosis or Yeast Overgrowth: Acids such as Arabinose and D-arabinitol are relevant for identifying yeast overgrowth in the gut. Addressing this can help restore gut flora balance and alleviate symptoms like bloating and fatigue.
• Persons Experiencing Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia: Elevated levels of acids like Lactic Acid and Pyruvic Acid can suggest mitochondrial dysfunction, which is often seen in these conditions. This insight can guide treatments aimed at improving energy production and reducing fatigue.
• Those with Neurotransmitter Imbalance Concerns: Markers like 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (a serotonin metabolite) and Homovanillic Acid (a dopamine metabolite) are critical for assessing neurotransmitter metabolism. Understanding these levels can help in managing mood disorders and optimizing brain function.
• Patients with Possible Metabolic Disorders: Organic acids such as Citric Acid, Fumaric Acid, and Succinic Acid are involved in the Krebs cycle and can indicate broader metabolic issues. Addressing these can improve metabolic efficiency and overall cellular health.
• Individuals with Detoxification Issues: Compounds like Hippuric Acid and Glutaric Acid can provide insights into detox pathways and oxidative stress levels. Tailoring detoxification support based on these markers can enhance the body’s ability to eliminate toxins and reduce oxidative damage.
• Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Certain organic acids such as Succinic Acid and Citric Acid are linked to metabolic pathways that may be altered in ASD. Identifying these abnormalities can contribute to a better understanding and management of the condition.
• People with Mood Disorders: Imbalances in neurotransmitter metabolites like 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid can indicate underlying issues with serotonin and dopamine pathways, which are crucial in mood regulation.
• Those with Chronic Inflammatory or Immune Disorders: Elevated levels of specific organic acids like 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid and 3-Indoleacetic Acid can reflect inflammation and immune dysregulation. Monitoring these acids can help in tailoring treatments that modulate immune response and reduce inflammation.
• Athletes and Highly Active Individuals: Markers such as Lactic Acid and Pyruvic Acid are important for assessing muscle metabolism and recovery processes. Insights from these markers can optimize performance and recovery strategies.
• Individuals Exposed to Environmental Toxins: Organic acids like Hippuric Acid and Methylhippuric Acid are biomarkers for exposure to environmental toxins such as xylene and toluene. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) can help in assessing the burden of toxins and guiding detoxification efforts.
• Individuals with Unexplained Neurological Symptoms: For those experiencing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nerve pain without a clear cause, organic acids like Pyroglutamic Acid or Quinolinic Acid can provide clues about metabolic disruptions affecting neurological health.
• People with Genetic Disorders: Individuals with known genetic conditions that affect metabolism, such as phenylketonuria or maple syrup urine disease, can benefit from monitoring specific organic acids like Phenylpyruvic Acid or 3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric Acid to manage their condition effectively.
• Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can impact various metabolic pathways, and monitoring organic acids such as Citric Acid and Malic Acid can help in assessing and managing these effects to improve patient outcomes.
• Elderly Individuals: Aging can alter metabolic processes, and the OAT can help in identifying deficiencies or imbalances in older adults, such as elevated Ethylmalonic Acid or Fumaric Acid, which might affect their overall health and vitality.
• Those on Specific Diets: People following restrictive diets, like vegan or ketogenic diets, may have unique metabolic states that can be monitored using organic acids like Acetoacetic Acid or 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid to ensure their diet is balanced and supporting their health needs.
• Individuals with Chronic Digestive Issues: For those suffering from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic indigestion, specific organic acids like 2-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Fumaric Acid can indicate malabsorption or dysbiosis, aiding in targeted therapeutic interventions.
• Children with Developmental Delays: The Organic Acids Test (OAT) can be beneficial for children showing signs of developmental delays or atypical development, as certain metabolic imbalances might play a role in these conditions.
• People Struggling with Weight Management: Those experiencing unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight might have metabolic imbalances. Organic acids such as 3-Methylglutaric Acid and Adipic Acid can reveal insights into fat metabolism and energy production, guiding effective weight management strategies.
• Individuals Suspected of Having Rare Metabolic Disorders: The OAT is also useful for diagnosing rare metabolic disorders that may not be detected through standard medical testing, by identifying abnormal levels of specific acids that are linked to these conditions.

Other Organic Acids Options

• Organic Acid Test Comparison (from Rupa)
  • Organic Acids Profile by US Biotek (36 Markers)
  • Organic Acids Profile by Diagnostic Solutions

Order The Mosaic Organic Acids Test Without A Prescription

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Functional medical tests and nutrition-related labs should be used as tools to support health and wellness under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Results from these tests should not replace professional medical advice or be interpreted without consulting a licensed practitioner familiar with your health history and needs. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health management plan.