ARTICLE

Introducing Three New Biomarkers to DUTCH OATs

Debbie Rice

| 07/20/2022

Introducing Three New Biomarkers to DUTCH OATs

by Debbie Rice, ND, MPH

At Precision Analytical, we are always striving for the most comprehensive and validated hormone tests. That includes periodic updates to our clinical reports. The organic acids tests (OATs) are getting an upgrade. We’ve added three new biomarkers to our OATs panel. Check them out here:

Quinolinate

Quinolinate is a neurotoxin derived from tryptophan. Quinolinate is a marker for potential neuroinflammation. Elevated quinolinate is found in neuroinflammatory disorders such as: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, motor neuron diseases, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and major depressive disorder. Low serotonin and vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency can also cause elevated quinolinate.

b-Hydroxyisovalerate

Elevated b-hydroxyisovalerate is found as a result of biotin insufficiency. This issue often presents in patients as skin problems as well as hair loss. Providers should look for this DUTCH Test marker to assess their patients’ biotin status and determine if intervention is required. Adequate biotin supply will yield a lower level of b-hydroxyisovalerate.

Indican

Urinary indican is a test that can provide information on bacterial overgrowth in the gut. Indican is a biproduct of protein putrefaction. Specifically, indican is a metabolite of tryptophan metabolism in the gut.

The increased presence of urinary indican indicates an increase in tryptophan putrefaction—usually as the result of gastrointestinal dysbiosis or malabsorption.

Urinary indican can alert providers to concerns over gut health. While it is not a diagnostic indicator, indican can serve as a good starting point to determine if further investigation into gut health is necessary.

Watch our recent webinar to learn more about these markers!