Optimal Result:
0 - 6.7 mmol/mol creatinine.
α-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid is a urinary metabolite formed in the body after exposure to methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a synthetic chemical once widely used as a gasoline additive to improve combustion and reduce vehicle emissions. MTBE use was discontinued in the early 2000s in many countries after concerns about groundwater contamination from leaking storage tanks. However, environmental exposure continues today through polluted groundwater, drinking water sources, and ambient air, especially near industrial or urban areas.
The detection of α-hydroxyisobutyric acid in urine serves as a biomarker of recent MTBE exposure. Because MTBE is primarily excreted through the kidneys, elevated urinary α-hydroxyisobutyric acid indicates that the body has metabolized and is actively clearing this compound.
Although MTBE was initially thought to be non-carcinogenic, newer research has linked even low-level environmental exposure to a range of metabolic, neurological, and epigenetic effects. Emerging evidence suggests possible roles in:
Altered glucose metabolism and insulin resistance – MTBE exposure may disrupt zinc homeostasis, a key cofactor in insulin storage and secretion, contributing to impaired glucose tolerance and a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
Oxidative stress and DNA damage – MTBE metabolites can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing oxidative burden and potentially contributing to DNA methylation defects.
Neurodevelopmental effects – Associations have been observed between MTBE and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), possibly related to oxidative stress and changes in neuroinflammatory signaling.
Liver and lipid metabolism – Some studies suggest links between MTBE exposure and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially among workers with chronic occupational exposure.
While evidence for MTBE-induced cancer, reproductive harm, or severe neurotoxicity in humans remains inconclusive, animal and occupational studies highlight its potential biological impact at chronic low doses.
Contaminated drinking or groundwater near former fuel storage sites
Ambient air in high-traffic or industrial zones
Occupational exposure (e.g., gas station attendants, auto repair, or chemical industries)
Inhalation of gasoline vapors or poorly ventilated areas where MTBE-based fuels are still in use
Elevated α-hydroxyisobutyric acid does not necessarily indicate toxicity but suggests recent environmental or occupational exposure. If persistently elevated, it may warrant:
Assessing environmental exposure sources (water testing, air quality)
Supporting detoxification pathways, particularly hepatic and renal function
Enhancing antioxidant status (glutathione, vitamin C, zinc, selenium) to counter oxidative stress
Considering zinc and trace mineral status testing if metabolic symptoms are present
MTBE exposure represents a subtle but important environmental factor influencing metabolic health and oxidative balance. Monitoring α-hydroxyisobutyric acid can help identify hidden sources of chemical exposure and guide targeted interventions to reduce toxic load, optimize detoxification, and protect long-term health.
References:
World Health Organization (2005). Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) in Drinking Water: Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality.
Amberg A, Rosner E, Dekant W. Toxicokinetics of methyl tert-butyl ether and its metabolites in humans after oral exposure. Toxicol Sci. 2001;61(1):62–67.
Saeedi A, et al. Disturbance of zinc and glucose homeostasis by methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE); evidence for type 2 diabetes. Xenobiotica. 2017;47(6):547–552.
Kalkbrenner AE, et al. Air toxics in relation to autism diagnosis, phenotype, and severity. Environ Health Perspect. 2018;126(3):037004.
Rota F, et al. Epigenetic and transcriptional modifications in repetitive elements in petrol station workers exposed to benzene and MTBE. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(4):735.
Yang J, et al. Relationship between methyl tertiary butyl ether exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(10):946.
Elevated levels of α-hydroxyisobutyric acid in urine reflect recent exposure to methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) — a chemical once added to gasoline to improve combustion and reduce emissions. Although MTBE was discontinued in the early 2000s, it remains present in the environment due to groundwater contamination and airborne residues from fuel vapors.
High urinary levels indicate that your body has recently absorbed and is metabolizing MTBE, typically within the past few days. This does not necessarily indicate toxicity, but it may point to ongoing environmental or occupational exposure that could contribute to oxidative or metabolic stress.
Contaminated groundwater or drinking water near old fuel storage sites or industrial areas
Inhalation of gasoline vapors (refueling stations, auto garages, or poorly ventilated areas)
Ambient air exposure in high-traffic or urban environments
Occupational exposure in petrochemical, automotive, or fuel transport industries
Although MTBE was initially classified as “noncarcinogenic,” emerging research suggests possible biological and metabolic effects linked to chronic low-level exposure. These may include:
Disturbances in zinc and glucose metabolism, contributing to insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
Oxidative DNA damage and impaired methylation, increasing oxidative stress burden
Neurodevelopmental associations, including links to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through oxidative and inflammatory pathways
Altered lipid metabolism and increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver changes in long-term or occupational exposure
Epigenetic effects, influencing how genes involved in detoxification and repair are expressed
While human studies have been mixed or inconclusive regarding cancer, reproductive, or severe neurological outcomes, these findings suggest that even low-level exposure may influence metabolic and cellular health.
Identify and Reduce Exposure Sources
Test your home or well water for MTBE contamination if you live near industrial or high-traffic areas.
Avoid inhaling gasoline vapors and ensure good ventilation when refueling vehicles.
Use indoor air purifiers with activated carbon filters if environmental exposure is likely.
Support Detoxification and Antioxidant Defenses
Maintain good hydration to assist urinary excretion of MTBE metabolites.
Consume antioxidant-rich foods (berries, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens) to counteract oxidative stress.
Support liver detoxification pathways with nutrients such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Optimize Mineral Balance
Ensure adequate zinc and selenium intake, which are essential for antioxidant enzyme function and glucose regulation.
Monitor Related Markers
If symptoms or exposures are significant, consider follow-up testing for liver enzymes, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oxidative stress markers to evaluate metabolic impact.
Elevated α-hydroxyisobutyric acid is an indicator of recent chemical exposure that can influence metabolic health, oxidative balance, and detoxification demand. Identifying and minimizing these exposures helps protect long-term cellular health and supports the body’s ability to process and eliminate environmental toxins effectively.
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Our database covers over 10,000 biomarkers with clear, simple explanations—so you can finally understand your results and what to do next.
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If you'd like to handle inputting your health data into your account, you can do so with our easy-to-use data entry forms. Our user-friendly form is designed to guide you through the quick and easy submission process, making it simple to keep track of your health metrics. This is available to both Complete plan and Unlimited plan members.
Our user-friendly form guides you through a quick, simple submission process, making it easy to enter your health metrics.
Add your results anytime with our easy entry form. It's quick, guided, and helps you stay organized — free for all members.
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See your lab reports in clear graphs and tables. Spot patterns, track changes, and compare results over time — all in one place.
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Export Your Complete Lab History
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After collecting lab results from different providers, you can download your entire history combined into a single file.
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Data Entry Service for Your Reports
Our inclusive service handles the data entry for your lab reports. Just submit your information and we'll take care of the rest. Complete plan members receive one report entered for free, then $15 per report after that. Unlimited plan members receive ten report entries for free, then $15 per report after that.
Our inclusive service handles the data entry for your lab reports. Just submit your information and we'll take care of the rest.
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Whether you're working with a doctor, nutritionist, caregiver, or wellness coach, you can securely share your complete lab history by sending an invite link to anyone you trust. You have full control over who sees your information and for how long, ensuring your privacy and peace of mind at every step.
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As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
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Healthmatters is a personal health dashboard that helps you organize and understand your lab results. It collects and displays your medical test data from any lab in one secure, easy-to-use platform.
With a Healthmatters account, you can:
Professionals can also analyze client data more efficiently and save time managing lab reports.
Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:
You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.
If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.
While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.
It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.
If you're on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.
The Complete Plan ($15/month) is perfect for individuals who want ongoing access to their health data. It includes unlimited lab imports, visual tracking, custom ranges, result explanations, full account exports, and secure sharing — all with a simple monthly subscription. You can cancel anytime and restart your plan whenever you're ready — your data will still be there waiting for you. You can also upgrade to the Unlimited Plan at any time, with the cost prorated based on what you've already paid.
The Unlimited Plan ($250 one-time) is also designed for individuals but offers lifetime access with no ongoing subscription. You'll get all the same features as the Complete Plan, plus a larger initial data entry allowance (10 reports), making it a great choice if you prefer a one-time payment and long-term use without monthly fees.
In short:
There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."
Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.
For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.
We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.
Our Data Entry Service is for when you don't want to manually type in your lab results yourself. You simply upload your report (PDF, image, or screenshot), and our trained team enters the information into your Healthmatters account for you — accurately and neatly organized, ready to view in graphs, tables, and timelines.
The $15 per report covers the time and care it takes for a real person to review your file, make sure each result is entered correctly, and double-check for accuracy. This ensures your health data is precise and easy to work with — without you having to spend the time doing it yourself.
Prefer to do it yourself? You can always use our free self-entry tool to add results manually — it just takes a bit more time and attention.
For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.
Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.
Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.
All professional accounts allow you to import and onboard an unlimited number of clients and their lab results. The distinction between professional plans lies solely in the data entry service.
The Pro Monthly Plus plan is priced at $75 per month and includes a data entry service for five reports each month. Additional reports can be self-entered at no extra cost or, if preferred, you can use our data entry service for an additional fee of $15 per report.
The Pro Monthly plan is priced at $45 per month and does not include a data entry service. Self-entry is free for an unlimited number of reports, and you can opt for the data entry service at a fee of $15 per report.
You also have the option to upgrade to higher monthly or to annual plans, which come with substantial discounts. All upgrades can be done directly from your account.
Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.
Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.
We've crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.
1. Graph View:Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.
2. All Tests ViewExplore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.
3. Table View:For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.
Yes, you can download your information anytime. We offer two easy ways to export your lab data:
This makes it simple to save, back up, or share your health data whenever you need.
Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.
Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.
Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.
A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.
The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.
To learn more about Healthmatters Pro, please refer to the professional page.
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