Organic Acid Test: Part 2, Oxalate Metabolites

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“When Oxalates Rise, Trouble Crystallises.”

 

In an Organic Acid Test (OAT), Oxalate Metabolites refer to markers related to oxalic acid (oxalates) in the body. These metabolites help assess oxalate levels, which can contribute to a variety of health conditions if elevated.

Low is good for Oxalate/ detoxification markers. Higher levels indicate there’s toxic exposure and/or increased oxidative stress.

There were no significant findings for these markers.

The main oxalate-related metabolites typically measured are:

🧪 1. Oxalic Acid (Oxalate)

  • Primary metabolite measured.

  • High levels may indicate:

    • Overgrowth of oxalate-producing gut bacteria (e.g. Candida, Aspergillus)

    • High oxalate diet (spinach, almonds, beets, chocolate, etc.)

    • Impaired oxalate metabolism or excretion

    • Genetic conditions like Primary Hyperoxaluria

  • Elevated oxalate can contribute to:

    • Kidney stones (calcium oxalate)

    • Joint and muscle pain

    • Vulvodynia or bladder pain

    • Mitochondrial dysfunction (as oxalate can chelate calcium and magnesium)

🧪 2. Glyceric Acid – Urinary glucaric acid levels indicate overall liver detoxification status.

  • A secondary marker of oxalate metabolism.

  • Elevated in:

    • Primary Hyperoxaluria Type II

    • Issues with the enzyme GRHPR (Glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase)

🧪 3. Glycolic Acid – High glycolic acid in urine can also be an indication of a Candida overgrowth.

  • Another precursor in the oxalate pathway.

  • Elevated in:

    • Primary Hyperoxaluria Type I

    • Deficiency in the alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) enzyme

Optional / Less Common Markers:

  • Some labs may also look at formic acid, lactic acid, or citric acid, as they interact with oxalate pathways or excretion balance, but these are not direct oxalate markers.

Why Oxalate Metabolites Matter:

Elevated oxalates can bind to:

  • Calcium, magnesium, and iron depleting important minerals

  • May damage tissues, mitochondria, and promote inflammation

  • Can exacerbate autism symptoms, fibromyalgia, and other chronic issues

Next Steps if Elevated:

  • Assess dietary oxalate intake

  • Address possible yeast/fungal overgrowth

  • Ensure adequate B6, magnesium, and calcium levels

  • Consider oxalate-reducing probiotics (like Oxalobacter formigenes)

  • Use calcium citrate with meals to bind dietary oxalates

What are Oxalates? – http://www.advancednaturopathic.com 

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 IS NOT MEANT FOR SELF-TREATMENT. ALWAYS SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY TREATMENTS.

Updated 30/09/2023 @12:09)

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