What does the organic acids test test for?

Organic Acids Tests provide a snapshot of how the body is performing on a mitochondrial level. The US BioTek OAP tests 36 of the most clinically relevant markers of metabolic health.

The Organic Acids Profile (OAP) offered by US BioTek Laboratories provides an excellent overview of mitochondrial and primary biochemical functions.  The analytes on the OAP can detect problems with the body’s processing of dietary macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) or problems with the Citric Acid Cycle (CAC), one of the primary pathways in the mitochondria.

The OAP also provides an overview of bacterial metabolism in the gastrointestinal microbiome, which can have profound effects on the health, and on biochemical and detoxification functions of the human host.

Recent scientific advances illuminate the importance of inheritance (genetic and epigenetic), environment and nutrition for human health and wellness. Pollution, malnutrition, or other physical or psychological stress can dysregulate or inhibit primary biochemical pathways, mitochondria, the gut microbiome, and detoxification functions.

If an individual has inherited low-activity enzyme variants, such stressors may be enough to shift them from health to disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, immune system dysregulation, premature aging, etc. have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and/or the dysregulation of primary biochemical pathways.

The OAP is a reliable tool for screening and monitoring individuals with inherited or acquired biochemical or mitochondrial dysregulation. 

36 Organic Acids are analyzed to indicate key markers of metabolic health:

Glycolysis Metabolites

  • Pyruvate
  • Lactate

Citric Acid Cycle Metabolites

  • Citrate
  • Cis-Aconitate
  • Isocitrate
  • Alpha-Ketoglutarate
  • Succinate
  • Fumarate
  • Malate

Fatty Acid Oxidation

  • Adipate
  • Suberate
  • Ethylmalonate
  • Methylsuccinate

Ketone Metabolites

  • Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

Markers for Cofactor Need

  • Alpha-Ketoisovalerate
  • Alpha-Ketoisocaproate
  • Alpha-Keto-Beta-Methylvalerate
  • Beta-Hydroxyisovalerate
  • Methylmalonate
  • Kynurenate
  • Hydroxymethylglutarate

Markers of Neurotransmitter Metabolism

  • Vanilmandelate
  • Homovanillate
  • 5-Hydroxyindoleacetate
  • Quinolinate

Markers of Detoxification

  • Para-Hydroxyphenyllactate
  • Orotate
  • Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate
  • Pyroglutamate
  • Benzoate
  • Hippurate

Markers of Bacterial Metabolism

  • Para-Hydroxybenzoate
  • Para-Hydroxyphenylacetate
  • 2-Hydroxyphenylacetate
  • 3-Indoleacetate
  • Tricarballylate

For more information on the Organic Acids Profile, you can view the product page at

Organic Acids Profile Page