Fecal uranium (U) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent U that has been excreted from the body in bile. The levels of U in feces has been used to estimate total daily intake of U. Most U passes through the intestine unabsorbed. Excretion of U from the body occurs via bile and urine.

Uranium (U) is an abundant element on earth. Its widespread use in military and industry, including nuclear power, has increased human exposure. Uranium can be ingested or inhaled and is cleared in urine rapidly, although some will pool in bone and kidney tissues. Uranium toxicity in humans leads to renal damage. Lung cancer is commonly associated with inhaled uranium. Urine can be a sensitive specimen for uranium exposure, but assessment should be undertaken promptly. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.4% has been used to treat uranium toxicity and inositol hexaphosphate has been used in animal studies.

What is Uranium?

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal found in soil, rocks, water, and certain foods. While small environmental exposures are common, elevated uranium levels in the body can be a health concern due to its chemical toxicity and potential for radiation exposure.

Uranium (U) is an abundant element on earth. Its widespread use in military and industry, including nuclear power, has increased human exposure. Uranium can be ingested or inhaled and is cleared in urine rapidly, although some will pool in bone and kidney tissues. Uranium toxicity in humans leads to renal damage. Lung cancer is commonly associated with inhaled uranium. Urine can be a sensitive specimen for uranium exposure, but assessment should be undertaken promptly. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.4% has been used to treat uranium toxicity and inositol hexaphosphate has been used in animal studies.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

→ Waste Product: Urea is a waste product formed in the liver from the breakdown of proteins.

→ Excretion Pathway: It is transported via the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered out and excreted in urine.

→ Health Indicator: Urea levels are measured to assess kidney function; high levels may indicate kidney dysfunction.

→ Protein Metabolism: It helps remove excess nitrogen from the body, a byproduct of protein metabolism.

→ CMP Component: Urea (or BUN) is a key marker on a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) used to monitor overall metabolic and renal health.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

Urea is the final excretory product of nitrogen (protein) metabolism in the body.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

Urea is the principal nitrogenous waste product of metabolism and is generated from protein breakdown.

Uric acid is a natural byproduct formed during the breakdown of our body’s cells and the food that we eat. Excess uric acid can be caused by either an overproduction of uric acid or inefficient removal of it from the blood. The most common affliction associated with excess uric acid is gout, a painful form of arthritis.

May indicate oxidative stress and elevated levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. May be elevated due to gout, kidney dysfunction, excess alcohol intake, starvation, extreme calorie restriction, liver dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, excess fructose consumption, fungal infection, ketogenic diet, supplemental niacin, high protein diet, prolonged fasting, supplemental vitamin B3, excess acidity. May be decreased due to nutrient deficiencies (molybdenum, zinc, iron), oxidative stress, low purine intake (vegetarian or vegan), excess alkalinity.

Likely to form uric acid stones; some people who have increased uric acid also have gout

Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, which are natural substances found in certain foods and cells. Uric acid levels are commonly assessed through blood tests as part of a metabolic or comprehensive health evaluation. In females, the normal reference range for uric acid is generally lower compared to males due to hormonal differences, particularly the effects of estrogen, which promotes uric acid excretion by the kidneys.

Uric acid, a key biomarker assessed through a 24-hour urine test, holds significant clinical relevance in diagnosing and managing various metabolic and renal disorders. Chemically, uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans, arising predominantly from the dietary breakdown of nucleic acids and, to a lesser extent, endogenous purine synthesis. Normally, it is soluble in the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted in urine. However, deviations in its urinary concentration can be indicative of pathological states. Elevated urinary uric acid levels, or hyperuricosuria, can signal conditions such as gout, a form of arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints due to hyperuricemia.