Amino Acids Analysis, Urine

A Personalized Approach to Amino Acid and Micronutrient Assessment
The Amino Acids Analysis, Urine is a first morning void (FMV) collection that measures 40 amino acids and intermediary metabolites. The report includes personalized amino acid recommendations based on amino acid levels, and functional vitamin and mineral cofactor recommendations based amino acid metabolism. Amino acids are important building blocks for every cell and system in the body, and require specific nutrients for metabolism and utilization.

When should testing for Amino Acids, Urine be considered?
Amino acids are single unit building blocks that form protein. They play many important roles in the body including energy generation, neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis, tissue growth and repair, immune function, blood cell formation, maintenance of muscle mass, and detoxification. Testing is important in a variety of clinical scenarios. Certain dietary and lifestyle factors or conditions may predispose a person to having amino acid imbalances. There are multiple factors that influence amino acid levels including dietary intake, liver and kidney function, protein biosynthesis and degradation, hormone imbalance, stress, exercise, and intestinal health.1

Symptoms and conditions associated with urine amino acid imbalances
Autism2-4
Malnutrition or poor protein intake5
Maldigestion/Malabsorption
Fatigue6-8
Kidney disease9
Liver disease
Obesity/Insulin resistance/ Diabetes10,11
*Genova's amino acid reference ranges were not designed to be used for the diagnosis of Inborn Errors of Metabolism.
The Amino Acids Analysis, Urine Biomarkers
The biomarkers included in the Amino Acids Analysis are arranged as follows:

An example of the Amino Acids page from the report. Each section has a list of biomarkers that are graphically represented using color bars.
Essential Amino Acids must be derived from dietary sources
Nonessential Amino Acids are synthesized by the body
Intermediary Metabolites are byproducts of amino acid metabolism
B Vitamin Markers are involved in biochemical reactions that specifically require B vitamins
Urea Cycle Markers are byproducts associated with nitrogen detoxification
Glycine/Serine Metabolites are involved in the choline to acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) pathway as well as methylation pathways
Dietary Peptide Related Markers can indicate incomplete protein breakdown
What is the difference between plasma and urine amino acids?
Certain analytes are measurable in blood versus urine and selection of sample type depends on the clinical concern. Urine amino acids have been shown to correlate with protein intake and with plasma concentrations.12,13 The key differences between plasma and urine amino acids are summarized below.1,9

Plasma Amino Acids (Fasting) Urine Amino Acids (First Morning Void)
Fasting sample represents "steady state" pool of amino acids; not affected by short-term diet fluctuations Represents recent dietary intake and metabolism - more variable compared to plasma
36 analytes 40 analytes
Useful for mood disorders, or uncontrolled diets Useful for controlled diets, or to assess the effects of a recent dietary change
Amino acid levels influenced by abnormal kidney function; preferred if patient has proteinuria Amino acid levels influenced by abnormal kidney function; urine testing dependent on healthy kidney function (biomarkers ratioed to urine creatinine)
Requires a blood draw Ideal for children or adults who do not like blood draws; urine conveniently collected at home