Urine and Plasma amino acid tests provide different views into body function. Amino acid levels help assess inborn errors of metabolism, vitamin and mineral functional deficiencies, protein intolerance, or lack of weight gain or weight loss. Urine amino acids have been discarded by the body as excess, or are being “wasted” because of kidney malfunction or nutritional imbalance. Plasma amino acid testing shows the circulation amino acids available for building structural proteins, for building immunoglobins, and transport and storage of proteins. Amino acid testing my also reveal underlying causes of vomiting, stones, lethargy, fatigue, muscle weakness, or seizures. Besides levels of essential and non-essential amino acids, the amino acid test contains gastrointestinal, neurological and detoxification markers, and combinations of amino acid levels indicate magnesium status, B vitamin, and urea cycle status.
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Depending on test results, suggestions can include