Organic Acids Test (OAT) for ADHD

Organic Acids Test (OAT) is an at-home urine test that includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels that affect ADHD symptoms. If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, holistic solutions and Medical Nutrition Therapy may include supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants, or dietary modification and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Clinical uses of Organic Acids Test (OAT) for ADHD

• Assess ADHD neurotransmitter levels

• Understand vitamin & hormone metabolism

• Assess central nervous system function

• Reveal high levels of GI yeast and bacteria

• Identify oxalate imbalances

• Detect nutritional and antioxidant deficiencies

• Determine problems in fatty acid metabolism

• Evaluate energy production

• Evaluate muscle function

OAT Highlights - a snapshot of how Organic Acids testing supports ADHD

Fungal Toxins: biochemical and nutritional imbalances that contribute to language, socialization, and behavioral problems. In some situations, these issues are exacerbated by fungal toxins.

Neurotransmitters: elevated levels of neurotransmitter metabolites and ratio imbalances often result in decreased conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine.

Nutrient Markers: key nutrient imbalances that play a significant role in ADHD symptoms B Vitamins (B2, B5, B6, & B12), Vitamin C, CoQ10, N-Acetylcysteine, and/ Biotin.

Yeast Overgrowth: depression, memory impairment, behavioral disorders low energy levels, hyperactivity, weak immune system, dementia, and neurological conditions can be flared by yeast

Fatty Acid Metabolism: elevated fatty acids & ketones may be an indicator of protein deficiency which can cause lethargy, confusion, irritability and exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Oxalate Levels: High oxalates in urine can cause joint pain, kidney stones, and also be another sign of mold or candida overgrowth. High levels of intestinal yeast can also cause brain fog and learning difficulties.

Antioxidant Deficiencies: oxidative stress can be a result of environmental toxins or a nutrient deficiency. High levels of quinolinic acid, a neuroinflammation marker, is often seen in people with autism and ADHD

Detoxification pathways: levels of toxins like glutathione, methylation, and ammonia are assessed. high levels of toxins may indict the metabolic inhibition of the toxin detox pathways

Ready to run an OAT yourself and make your ADHD more manageable?

Organic acids testing offers a comprehensive perspective on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by delving into potential contributing factors beyond the traditional boundaries of ADHD diagnosis. This approach goes beyond the conventional by examining nutritional deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter imbalances, and gut health. The aim is to create personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of individuals with ADHD.

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with diverse causes, making a uniform treatment approach ineffective. Organic acids testing is a valuable analysis tool, allowing healthcare providers to identify unique underlying factors contributing to an individual's ADHD symptoms. By addressing nutritional imbalances, gut/brain axis imbalances, neurotransmitter imbalances, mitochondrial dysfunction, and microglial inflammation, a more comprehensive and personalized strategy can be employed in managing ADHD.

Incorporating insights from the neurobiology of ADHD and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like organic acids testing represents a significant advancement in providing improved care and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with ADHD. This approach can lead to more effective interventions and a deeper understanding of the condition's root causes.

For those suspecting ADHD or seeking a more thorough evaluation, considering organic acids testing at Botanical Health Clinic can provide a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to ADHD symptoms, facilitating a more targeted and personalized approach to treatment. 

Botanical Health Clinic recommends OAT For the following health Concerns & symptoms

• ADHD
• Attention Problems
• Autism
• Autoimmune Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Depression
• Low Energy
• Lyme Disease
• Neurological Disorders
• Poor Sleep
• Brain Fog

Not sure? Here are 10 More Reasons Every Individual with ADHD (& other neurological disorders) Should Do an OAT

By Kurt Woeller, D.O.

1. Evaluates for various fungal toxins, including specific markers for Candida. Many people rely on stool testing for candida diagnosis and miss the presence of candida toxins through the Organic Acid Test. Candida can create problems with brain function including goofiness, giddiness, and inappropriate laughter, as well as sensory problems and self-stimulatory behavior.
2. Evaluates for two specific toxins related to clostridia bacteria –HPHPA and 4-cresol. Both of these toxins can inhibit a dopamine converting enzyme leading to excess dopamine and toxic reactions in the brain and nervous system. Behavior problems such as moodiness, irritability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, sleep problems and more is associated with clostridia bacteria overgrowth.
3. The information from the Organic Acid Test helps to prioritize treatment intervention instead of just assuming everything is a candida problem. Treating for candida when clostridia bacteria are present can lead to problems, i.e. worsening behavior.
4. Evaluates for high oxalates (oxalic acid). Oxalates are compounds found in many foods, and can be worsened from candida overgrowth. High oxalates are associated with pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. They can also trap heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and arsenic) in the body, and lead to mineral imbalances as well. Behavior and self-injurious tendencies have been associated with high oxalates.
5. Evaluates mitochondrial imbalances. The mitochondria are the energy factories of our cells. Often they are stressed because of toxins from yeast, bacteria, metals, and even oxalates. Mitochondrial dysfunction is seen in autism and can be a contributing factor to poor attention and cognitive skills, as well as poor physical growth and development.
6. Evaluates for imbalances in Dopamine (HVA) and Norepinephrine (VMA). The balance between these two important brain chemicals is critical for attention, focusing, mood, calmness and other functions of the nervous system. ADHD is commonly associated with norepinephrine imbalances.
7. Evaluates for imbalances in serotonin (an important brain chemical for mood, fine and gross motor skills, and calmness), as well additional markers that can indicate toxic stress in the brain and nervous system such as Quinolinic Acid. High Quinolinic Acid is suggestive of toxic stress in the brain and is important to evaluate before implementing certain supplements particularly L-Tryptophan which is commonly used to help with sleep.
8. Evaluates two specific chemicals related to folate metabolism. Folate is part of the methylation cycle that supports the inner workings of the cells related to DNA function.
9. Evaluates for various nutritional markers such as vitamin B6, B5, vitamin C, CoQ10, as well as N-Acetyl-Cysteine which is necessary for the production of glutathione.
10. Evaluates for glutathione production problems. Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in our cells and is often deficient in autism. The Organic Acid Test evaluates for cellular markers related to this important antioxidant.