Neurotransmitter Metabolites (Urine) - DUTCH
These organic acids are the primary metabolite of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. People with an imbalance in these neurotransmitters may experience symptoms that are also common with an imbalance in hormones. Hormones (cortisol and estrogen are examples) included in DUTCH testing also directly alter some of these metabolites, so their inclusion provides an even more comprehensive picture of your patient’s hormone health.
The neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are important for human health. Measuring neurotransmitters directly (direct testing of serotonin, for example) is difficult because of their instability and their urinary measurements are controversial with respect to how well they reflect the body’s levels of these neuro-hormones. Each of these neurotransmitters can be assessed indirectly by measuring their urine metabolites. While these metabolites are not a perfect reflection of what’s going on in the brain, the scientific literature does affirm their use for a good representation of overall levels of these neurotransmitters.
5-Hydroxyindoleacetate (5HIAA)
Optimal range: 2.5 - 7.5 ug/mg
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) is a breakdown product of serotonin that is excreted in the urine. Serotonin is a hormone found at high levels in many body tissues. Serotonin and 5HIAA are produced in excess amounts by carcinoid tumors, and levels of these substances may be measured in the urine to test for carcinoid tumors.
LEARN MORE8-OHdG (Waking)
Optimal range: 0 - 5.2 ng/mg
8-OHdG measures the effect of endogenous oxidative damage to DNA. The marker is used to estimate the risk for various cancers and degenerative diseases. Adjusting treatments and lifestyle to minimize the presence of 8-OHdG is a productive step toward health and longevity.
LEARN MOREHomovanillate (HVA) (DUTCH)
Optimal range: 3 - 11 ug/mg
Homovanillate (aka Homovanillic Acid) is a dopamine metabolite.
Homovanillate and Vanilmandelate are breakdown products from neurotransmitters involved in hormone and nerve impulse transmission, called catecholamines.
LEARN MOREMelatonin (Waking)
Optimal range: 10 - 85 ng/mg
Melatonin is not technically an adrenal or sex hormone however it is highly involved in the entire endocrine system. It is made in small amounts in the pineal gland in response to darkness and stimulated by Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). A low MSH is associated with insomnia, an increased perception of pain, and mold exposure. Pineal melatonin (melatonin is also made in significant quantities in the gut) is associated with the circadian rhythm of all hormones (including female hormone release). It is also made in small amounts in the bone marrow, lymphocytes, epithelial cells and mast cells. Studies have shown that a urine sample collected upon waking has levels of 6-Hydroxymelatonin-sulfate (6-OHMS) that correlate well to the total levels of melatonin in blood samples taken continuously throughout the night. The DUTCH test uses the waking sample only to test levels of melatonin production. Low melatonin levels may be associated with insomnia, poor immune response, constipation, weight gain or increased appetite. Elevated melatonin is usually caused by ingestion of melatonin through melatonin supplementation or eating melatonin-containing foods. Elevated melatonin production that is problematic is rare, but levels can be higher in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and may be phase shifted (peaking later) in some forms of depression.
LEARN MOREQuinolinate
Optimal range: 0 - 9.6 ug/mg
Quinolinate is a neurotoxin derived from tryptophan. Elevated quinolinate is seen in brain and nerve tissue damage, especially in 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. We can also see elevated quinolinate due to low serotonin and need for vitamin B3 (niacin). The causes of elevated quinolinate include neuroinflammation, general inflammation, infection, phthalate exposure, and/or oral tryptophan use.
LEARN MOREVanilmandelate (VMA)
Optimal range: 2.2 - 5.5 ug/mg
Vanilmandelate is a metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline).
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