Amino Acid Test

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, so think of amino acids as the bricks and the protein as the wall.

There are 22 different amino acids and some are essential (we must eat them as the body can’t make them). Conversely, non- essential amino acids the body can synthesise.

What are the symptoms of amino acid deficiency?

Amino acid deficiency can result in decreased immunity, digestive problems, depression, fertility issues, lower mental alertness, slowed growth in children, and many other health issues. Poor sleep, frequent headaches and lack of energy are quite typical. Each of the essential amino acids plays a different role in the body, and the symptoms of deficiency vary accordingly. Issues with skin, hair and nails are also an indicator of amino acid deficiency.

What happens if I eat lots of protein? My trainer has asked me to eat at least 5 portions a day?

High-protein diets may tout weight loss, but this type of weight loss may only be short-term. Excess protein consumed is usually stored as fat, while the surplus of amino acids is excreted. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if you consume too many calories while trying to increase your protein intake.

 How do I know if you’re eating too much protein?

Most research indicates that eating more than 2 g per kg of body weight daily of protein for a long time can cause health problems. Symptoms associated with too much protein include: intestinal discomfort, indigestion and dehydration, as well as an increased load on the kidneys.

How can I calculate my protein intake?

Using a tracker, such as MyFitnessPal (free option as well as paid) can help or for a more detailed database, use nutritics ( paid).

Another, much simpler way, is to use the rule of palm, which translates to eating a palm sixed portion of protein at each meal.

What can testing do?

Amino acid metabolism may be compromised by common lifestyle and dietary factors, which may result in inadequate levels of amino acids. Urine amino acid testing is specifically valuable for assessing vitamin/mineral cofactors that affect amino acid metabolism and provide insight into protein digestion.

The test also examines vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins, as well as the minerals manganese, molybdenum and zinc.

What types of clients normally do this test?

There are many conditions that are associated with amino acid deficiencies, and for a full list, please  see the link below, although typically its clients  who are suffering with tiredness and fatigue, which after blood testing isn’t due to poor vitamin D, Ferritin or B12, as well as athletes and those with mood disorders.

Recommended tests

Amino Acid Urine Silver Test	Amino Acid, Vitamin and Mineral Gold Test