Please note: The content of this post is my own unless the technical terms are too hard to explain, then the content is copied and pasted. I am not a medical professional and thus the post is my point of view. But the content is science-based and credible. Just because it is a new science, does not necessarily make it quackery.
For more details on the Krebs Cycle, you can read more about it as part of the MTHFR series, click here.
Results Part 4
The Krebs cycle looks at Citric Acid, 2-Oxoglutaric acid/ 2-Ketoglutaric acid and Succinic acid.
Dr Lindenberg comment: Low levels of Krebs Cycle Metabolites
As previously mentioned the Glycolytic Cycle and the Krebs cycle are part of the same process. The Krebs cycle uses sugars to create lactic acid and pyruvic acid to produce energy for the cells.
Additionally, thyroid hormones and cortisol influence the Krebs cycle.
Succinic acid 10.09 (result) L / 16 – 156 (range)
Low levels of succinic acid could indicate a need for the branch chain amino acids leucine and isoleucine.
Succinic acid metabolism is also linked with heme synthesis, ketone bodies utilization, and the GABA shunt.
Low levels can be due to:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
An elevated result indicates a relative deficiency of riboflavin (Vit B2) and/or coenzyme Q10. Also produced by bacterial degradation of unabsorbed glutamine supplement.
Foods that contain Succinic acid include broccoli, rhubarb, sugar beets, fresh meat extracts, various kinds of cheese, and sauerkraut.
2-Ketoglutaric acids/ 2-Oxoglutaric acid 1.72 (result) L / 36 – 103 (range)
Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an organic acid that is important for the proper metabolism of all essential amino acids. It is formed in the Krebs cycle, the energy-producing process that occurs in most body cells.The conversion of 2-oxoglutaric acid to succinyl-CoA requires coenzyme A (derived from pantothenic acid), lipoic acid, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) derived from riboflavin (B2), and thiamine (B3). AKG is the nitrogen-free portion of the amino acids known as glutamine and glutamic acid, which is involved in protein synthesis that may play a role in supporting healthy blood glucose levels. Alpha-ketoglutarate helps maintain normal levels of ammonia in the brain, muscles and kidneys, as well as the body’s nitrogen balance in body tissues and fluids.
It’s important for making proteins and decreasing protein breakdown in bones and muscles. It also contributes to immunity. α-Ketoglutarate is one of the most important nitrogen transporters in metabolic pathways. The amino groups of amino acids are attached to it (by transamination) and carried to the liver where the urea cycle takes place.
Low levels of α-ketoglutarate may reflect lack of precursors higher up from enzymatic dysfunction due to lack of nutritional cofactors, genetic defects, or toxin exposures.
Citric Acid 31.44 (result) / < 656
Some of the Citrate (Citric acid) we get from our food, however, most of it is stored in our bones and released when needed. Citric acid also gets produced as part of the energy metabolism in the Mitochondria.
Kidneys are responsible for removing citric acid from the blood, either by breaking it down or by filtering it into the urine. The following hormones affect the kidney clearance of citrate:
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) – decreases urine citrate
- Vitamin D – decreases urine citrate
- Calcitonin – increases urine citrate
A decrease citrate levels in the urine can be due to: Excess sodium (salt), Cola-flavored carbonated beverages, Exercise, Low citrate blood levels, due to dietary citrate deficiency, Starving or ketosis, Magnesium deficiency, Low potassium (hypokalemia), Too much acid in the body, High parathyroid hormone levels (hyperparathyroidism), E. coli infection, Some medication, such as water pills and anti-convulsants, or Rare genetic disorders.
These factors can increase your risk of having low citrate levels: A diet low in vegetable fibres, Low urine volume (dehydration), Higher intake of non-dairy animal protein, Higher body mass index (BMI), or Gout/high uric acid levels.
However, an increased citric acid may also indicate depletion of glutathione, which is required for the enzyme aconitase to metabolize both aconitic and citric acids. If pyroglutamic acid values are low, consider supplements containing glutathione, n-acetyl cysteine, or lipoic acid.)
*Something Interesting* – Malic acid contributes to the “sour” taste in fruits and vegetables, such as apples, grapes, and rhubarb.
Elevations in Krebs Cycle metabolites are commonly due to environmental toxins such as heavy metals or mould, yeast/fungal or bacterial overgrowth, high oxalate levels, or high oxidative stress. A less common indication of high levels would be a genetic issue.
PLEASE NOTE: ANY VIEWS REGARDING THE RESULTS ARE MY UNDERSTANDING AND DO NOT SERVE AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. THE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION IS STRICTLY RELATING TO ALEX’S RESULTS AND NOT MEANT FOR SELF-TREATMENT. ALWAYS SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY TREATMENTS.
