Organic Acids Test (The Great Plains Laboratory)

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (HMG)

Optimal Result: 0.17 - 39 mmol/mol creatinine.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric is the precursor of coenzyme Q10 and cholesterol. Slightly increased values may be caused by gastrointestinal yeast overgrowth. A moderate increase in urine HMG may also indicate decreased synthesis of coenzyme Q10. Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs may inhibit the synthesis pathway and result in high HMG values. Very elevated values may be caused by the genetic disorder, HMG aciduria.

What does it mean if your 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric (HMG) result is too high?

- Precursor of CoQ10.

- Slightly elevated levels suggest yeast overgrowth.

- Elevated levels may also indicate decreased CoQ10 synthesis. Very elevated levels may be due to HMG aciduria. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

High 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid is seen in the genetic disease 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaric aciduria.

Typical values observed in the genetic disease are 200-11,000 mmol/mol creatinine.

The cause of less significant increases in this urinary metabolite is unknown.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria may cause:

- vomiting,

- lethargy,

- hypotonia,

- and apnea,

...sometimes evolving to coma.

Laboratory tests reveal metabolic acidosis with severe hypoketotic hypoglycemia on fasting or during acute illness, hyperammonemia, and abnormal liver function.

Preliminary diagnosis is based on a pattern of organic acids in urine which includes:

- 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric,

- 3-hydroxyisovaleric,

- 3-methylglutaconic,

- 3-methylglutaric,

and 3-methylcrotonic acids.

Because yeast also produces this compound and yeast metabolites are frequently elevated along with this compound; slight increases may be yeast-related. Reduced activity of 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl Co A reductase, a critical enzyme at the beginning of the cholesterol synthesis pathway, may also elevate this compound. Check cholesterol values when this compound is elevated up to 300 mmol/mol creatinine.

Slight elevations may result from coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 at 50 - 120 mg/day may be beneficial.

10 000+ happy clients
100% satisfaction
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ customer support

Understand blood, stool, and urine medical results from all your laboratories.

Get Started With Our Personal Plan

Advanced Plan

  • ✓ Yearly subscription
  • ✓ Five free uploads
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support
  • ✓ Yearly subscription
  • ✓ Five free uploads
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
$79 per year
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support

Unlimited Plan

  • ✓ No subscription
  • ✓ Ten free uploads
  • ✓ Unlimited access
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support
  • ✓ No subscription
  • ✓ Ten free uploads
  • ✓ Unlimited access
$250 full version

Are You a Health Professional?

Get started with our professional plan

Welcome to Healthmatters Pro.

Save time on interpreting lab results with the largest database of biomarkers online. In-depth research on any test at your fingertips, all stored and tracked in one place. Learn more

Pro Plan

for health professionals

  • ✓ Track multiple clients results
  • ✓ No setup fees
  • ✓ No hidden costs
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free template forms
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Additional team member $25
  • ✓ Personal training and support

$45 per month

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

×

Understand Your Lab Result Now

  • Instant interpretation
  • 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • Science-based recommendations
  • Online support
  • Secure and private portal

Get 10% off with promocode: