Ordering the Amino Acids Test 24hr/Random | Great Plains Labs
Ordering the Amino Acids Test 24hr/Random from Great Plains Labs helps identify imbalances in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and play a key role in energy, mood, and metabolism. This test can reveal patterns linked to protein deficiency, nutrient absorption issues, and metabolic concerns. Interestingly, certain amino acid imbalances can affect neurotransmitter production, which may influence mood and concentration.
When ordering this test, you gain access to specific benefits:
- Detects amino acid deficiencies that may impact muscle strength and recovery.
- Assesses protein digestion and absorption for those with digestive complaints.
- Identifies imbalances that may contribute to fatigue, low energy, or mood swings.
- Supports targeted nutrition plans for growth, immune support, and hair or skin concerns.
- Helps monitor the effects of dietary changes or supplements on amino acid status.
Who Should Consider Amino Acid and Protein Metabolism Testing
People who experience ongoing tiredness, trouble focusing, or frequent mood changes may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried different diets but still feels weak or has trouble recovering after exercise could use this test to find out if amino acid imbalances are a factor.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Struggling with unexplained hair loss or brittle nails despite a balanced diet.
- Children or teens with slow growth or developmental delays.
- Adults with digestive issues like bloating or poor nutrient absorption.
- People with frequent muscle cramps or weakness not explained by other causes.
- Those with recurring skin problems that do not improve with standard treatments.
Testing for amino acid levels can provide clear answers about protein metabolism, nutrient absorption, and possible links to symptoms like fatigue or mood changes. Delaying this test may mean missing the chance to address imbalances early, which could make it harder to improve symptoms with simple nutrition changes.
Preparing for Urine Amino Acid Analysis
Fasting is not always required for this test, but it is important to check the test kit instructions for any specific preparation steps. Always follow the directions provided by your doctor or healthcare practitioner to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Amino Acids Test 24hr/Random | Great Plains Labs
| Test Name | Reference Range | Significance | Low and High Levels of Amino Acids Test 24hr/Random |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alanine | 30-400 | Alanine is involved in energy production and helps the body convert sugars. It also supports muscle tissue and the immune system. | High levels mean possible liver or muscle breakdown.
Low levels mean poor protein intake or absorption. |
| Beta-alanine | 0-20 | Beta-alanine helps buffer acid in muscles, supporting endurance and reducing fatigue during exercise. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown or supplementation.
Low levels mean reduced muscle buffering capacity. |
| Alpha-aminoadipate | 0-10 | Alpha-aminoadipate is a marker for lysine metabolism and can reflect changes in kidney or liver function. | High levels mean possible kidney or metabolic issues.
Low levels mean normal lysine metabolism. |
| Alpha-aminobutyrate | 0-10 | Alpha-aminobutyrate is linked to methionine and threonine metabolism and may reflect liver function. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or liver stress.
Low levels mean normal metabolism. |
| Gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) | 0-10 | GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system and supports mood balance. | High levels mean increased nervous system activity or stress.
Low levels mean possible anxiety or sleep issues. |
| Beta-aminobutyrate | 0-10 | Beta-aminobutyrate is involved in amino acid metabolism and may reflect changes in protein breakdown. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean normal protein metabolism. |
| Ammonia | 0-50 | Ammonia is a waste product from protein breakdown and is processed by the liver. High levels can affect brain function. | High levels mean possible liver dysfunction or metabolic stress.
Low levels mean normal protein breakdown. |
| Anserine | 0-10 | Anserine is a dipeptide found in muscle and brain tissue, supporting antioxidant activity and muscle recovery. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown.
Low levels mean reduced muscle antioxidant support. |
| Arginine | 10-150 | Arginine supports blood flow, immune function, and wound healing. It is also a precursor for nitric oxide. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or supplementation.
Low levels mean poor wound healing or immune support. |
| Asparagine | 10-80 | Asparagine is important for brain function and helps the body make proteins and manage energy. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean possible fatigue or poor protein synthesis. |
| Aspartate | 10-80 | Aspartate is involved in energy production and helps remove ammonia from the body. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or metabolic stress.
Low levels mean reduced energy production. |
| Carnosine | 0-10 | Carnosine is an antioxidant found in muscle and brain tissue, supporting muscle recovery and reducing oxidative stress. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown.
Low levels mean reduced antioxidant protection in muscles. |
| Citrulline | 0-20 | Citrulline helps remove ammonia and supports blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or urea cycle issues.
Low levels mean reduced nitric oxide production. |
| Creatinine | 500-2000 | Creatinine is a waste product from muscle activity and is used to assess kidney function and muscle mass. | High levels mean possible kidney stress or high muscle mass.
Low levels mean low muscle mass or poor kidney filtration. |
| Cystathionine | 0-10 | Cystathionine is part of the methionine cycle and helps produce cysteine and glutathione, supporting detoxification. | High levels mean possible vitamin B6 deficiency.
Low levels mean normal methionine metabolism. |
| Cysteine | 10-80 | Cysteine is needed for making glutathione, a key antioxidant, and supports detoxification and immune function. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or oxidative stress.
Low levels mean reduced antioxidant capacity. |
| Cystine | 10-80 | Cystine is the oxidized form of cysteine and helps form proteins and support antioxidant defenses. | High levels mean increased oxidative stress.
Low levels mean reduced protein synthesis. |
| Ethanolamine | 0-10 | Ethanolamine is involved in making cell membranes and neurotransmitters, supporting brain and nerve function. | High levels mean increased cell breakdown.
Low levels mean reduced membrane or neurotransmitter production. |
| Glycine | 30-400 | Glycine supports detoxification, sleep, and the production of collagen for skin and joints. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or metabolic stress.
Low levels mean poor detoxification or sleep support. |
| Glutamate | 10-80 | Glutamate is a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and also supports energy production. | High levels mean possible excitotoxicity or nervous system stress.
Low levels mean reduced brain activity or fatigue. |
| Glutamine | 30-400 | Glutamine supports gut health, immune function, and muscle recovery, and is the most abundant amino acid in the body. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown or stress.
Low levels mean poor gut or immune support. |
| Histidine | 10-80 | Histidine is needed for growth, tissue repair, and making histamine, which supports immune response. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean poor tissue repair or immune response. |
| Homocysteine | 0-10 | Homocysteine is a marker for methylation and cardiovascular risk, and is influenced by B vitamin status. | High levels mean increased cardiovascular risk or B vitamin deficiency.
Low levels mean normal methylation. |
| Hydroxyproline | 0-20 | Hydroxyproline is a marker for collagen breakdown and can reflect bone or connective tissue turnover. | High levels mean increased collagen breakdown.
Low levels mean normal connective tissue turnover. |
| Isoleucine | 10-80 | Isoleucine is a branched-chain amino acid important for muscle repair, energy, and blood sugar regulation. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown or supplementation.
Low levels mean poor muscle repair or energy. |
| Leucine | 10-80 | Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that supports muscle growth, repair, and energy production. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown or supplementation.
Low levels mean poor muscle growth or repair. |
| Lysine | 10-80 | Lysine is needed for growth, tissue repair, and making hormones and enzymes. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean poor tissue repair or immune support. |
| Methionine Sulfoxide | 0-10 | Methionine sulfoxide is a marker for oxidative stress and protein oxidation in the body. | High levels mean increased oxidative stress.
Low levels mean normal protein oxidation. |
| Methionine | 10-80 | Methionine is needed for methylation, detoxification, and making other amino acids. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or supplementation.
Low levels mean poor detoxification or methylation. |
| 1-Methylhistidine | 0-10 | 1-Methylhistidine is a marker for muscle protein breakdown, especially from animal protein intake. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown or high meat intake.
Low levels mean low muscle turnover. |
| 3-Methylhistidine | 0-10 | 3-Methylhistidine is a marker for muscle protein breakdown and can reflect muscle loss or catabolism. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown.
Low levels mean low muscle turnover. |
| Ornithine | 0-20 | Ornithine is part of the urea cycle, helping remove ammonia and supporting liver function. | High levels mean urea cycle or liver issues.
Low levels mean reduced ammonia removal. |
| Phenylalanine | 10-80 | Phenylalanine is needed for making neurotransmitters and supports mood, focus, and alertness. | High levels mean metabolic or genetic disorders.
Low levels mean poor neurotransmitter production. |
| Phosphoethanolamine | 0-10 | Phosphoethanolamine is involved in making cell membranes and supports brain and nerve function. | High levels mean increased cell breakdown.
Low levels mean reduced membrane production. |
| Phosphoserine | 0-10 | Phosphoserine is involved in cell signaling and protein synthesis, supporting brain and muscle function. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean reduced protein synthesis. |
| Proline | 10-80 | Proline is important for collagen production, supporting skin, joints, and connective tissue. | High levels mean increased collagen breakdown.
Low levels mean poor skin or joint support. |
| Sarcosine | 0-10 | Sarcosine is involved in methylation and energy production, and may reflect changes in metabolism. | High levels mean increased methylation activity.
Low levels mean reduced energy production. |
| Serine | 10-80 | Serine is needed for making proteins, neurotransmitters, and cell membranes, supporting brain and muscle function. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean poor protein or neurotransmitter production. |
| Taurine | 10-80 | Taurine supports heart, brain, and eye function, and acts as an antioxidant in the body. | High levels mean increased supplementation or metabolic stress.
Low levels mean poor antioxidant or heart support. |
| Threonine | 10-80 | Threonine is needed for making proteins, collagen, and supports gut and immune function. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown.
Low levels mean poor gut or immune support. |
| Tryptophan | 10-80 | Tryptophan is needed for making serotonin and melatonin, supporting mood and sleep. | High levels mean increased supplementation or metabolic issues.
Low levels mean poor mood or sleep support. |
| Tyrosine | 10-80 | Tyrosine is needed for making dopamine, thyroid hormones, and supports mood and alertness. | High levels mean metabolic or genetic disorders.
Low levels mean poor neurotransmitter or thyroid hormone production. |
| Valine | 10-80 | Valine is a branched-chain amino acid that supports muscle growth, repair, and energy production. | High levels mean increased muscle breakdown or supplementation.
Low levels mean poor muscle repair or energy. |
| Urea | 200-800 | Urea is a waste product from protein breakdown and is used to assess kidney function and protein intake. | High levels mean increased protein breakdown or kidney stress.
Low levels mean low protein intake or poor liver function. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Amino Acids Test 24hr/Random FAQ
Is there Amino Acids Test 24hr/Random testing near me?
This test is provided as a home collection kit, so you can collect your urine sample locally and use the draw location link at the top of the page for guidance. For those experiencing ongoing fatigue or muscle weakness, having a convenient collection option makes it easier to get tested without travel or delays.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for a detailed explanation and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price listed for this test includes standard shipping to your address and return shipping to the lab, though draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you address symptoms like fatigue or poor concentration by identifying specific amino acid imbalances sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 3 to 6 months, especially if you are making changes to your diet, supplements, or have ongoing symptoms. Regular testing helps track improvements and adjust your nutrition plan as needed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry, offering a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test can not be collected or mailed from New York State. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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