Is there a difference between an amino acid test based on saliva and one based on blood?

Question

I have recently heard good things about a blood spot amino acid test that tests for your deficiancies and based on the outcome you can get supplements you need. My naturopath suggested an amino acid test based on saliva and I want to know if one is more accurate or better than the other?

Answer 1

Hi purplepansy. Cute 'name'. Amino acid imbalances are common and can cause significant health problems. Getting tested, therefore, may be a very good idea.

Unfortunately, because I am not aware of the saliva test your doctor is recommending, I can't give you any advice on that. Ask your doctor this question. I am sure he/she will be happy to answer your concerns and provide you with documentation about the test's accuracy, reliability, etc.

If you are really in doubt, have BOTH tests done. Serum amino acid profiles are valid and would provide a good comparison for the saliva test. If the results are similar, then you can do future/followup testing with the saliva method.

Best wishes and good luck.

P.S. I just received the results for my own serum amino acid profile yesterday. I get mine tested (along with many other tests) annually. I use Metamatrix Labs and their ION profile.

Answer 2

"I have recently heard good things about a blood spot amino acid test that tests for your deficiancies and based on the outcome you can get supplements you need."

I suspect that this claim for such tests is incorrect. Be very suspicious of those who are making such a claim.

I studied biochemistry, at university; I gained an Honours Degree, and have worked in research in biochemistry, though I now work in microbiology. I am thus very skeptical of much "alternative" therapy like that.

Our bodies can convert amino acids into other types, in many cases; extra of one type can be made into another which is lacking. The exceptions are called "essential" amino acids -- we have to eat enough of those in our diets.

Fortunately, many ordinary foods contain a good mix of these, anyhow. Just eat eggs, + / or milk + / or meat, and you will get the AA's you need. If you are eating vegan, read how to blend different vegetable sources of protein, so you get the right mix; any good vegetarian cookbook should advise you about which foods to eat together.

In order for AAs to show up on a blood spot test as you describe (or in saliva) you would need HUGE amounts of it; that will not normally happen, unless you have a serious genetic fault, such as phenylketonuria. That is detected by the Guthrie Test; read about it.

This is done at day 5 after the baby is born (in Australia). If PKU trait is detected, the child must be put on a strict diet, to preserve their brain function. You are not likely to have PKU; it is rare, and (major point) you would need to be diagnosed as an infant, or your brain would be ruined, by now.

Another fault is homocysteinuria, and there are others; all rare. But before you start worrying about these rare traits, get this: they result in accumulation of extra amino acids (or their breakdown products) in blood etc; they are not resulting from dietary imbalance.

Answer 3

i have acid monkeys in my pants

Answer 4

no