Which Amino Acid Test do you recommend?

[Peyt]

Hi Guys,

I wanted to get a test done on my Amino Acids levels. So I am doing some research to
make sure I choose the best one.

I came across this test: http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/amino-acids/amino-acids-40-plasma
Which seems pretty good... I can get it for a little under $300 thru my nutritionist Doctor.

I wanted to ask you guys if you have tried this test or any other to measure Amino Acids, and just your thoughts on testing Amino Acids??
Some say testing amino acids is a waste of money because it's not really something that could be measured because it changes so rapidly from 1 day to another depending on the foods we eat....

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

[PeakT]

Hi Guys,

I wanted to get a test done on my Amino Acids levels. So I am doing some research to
make sure I choose the best one.

I came across this test: http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/amino-acids/amino-acids-40-plasma
Which seems pretty good... I can get it for a little under $300 thru my nutritionist Doctor.

I wanted to ask you guys if you have tried this test or any other to measure Amino Acids, and just your thoughts on testing Amino Acids??
Some say testing amino acids is a waste of money because it's not really something that could be measured because it changes so rapidly from 1 day to another depending on the foods we eat....

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

Well, it would be too many spinning plates for me to keep track of.  But ask EH because he did it.  Hopefully, he'll chime in with a though or two.

I take Citrulline from time to time and I take Leucine post workout.  And I take some supplemental Rice Protein and that's it.  So I'm not going to be much help.

[EH]

The best value by far is the Life Extension (ww.lef.org) test for $137.  You have to be a member ($5 per month) to get this price, otherwise it costs $183, which is still a very good deal for 40 amino acids.

http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/ItemLC700068/Amino-Acid-Profile-Blood-Test.html?olditem=LC095638

I have tested amino acids a few times now and didn't find much variation in my results; however, my experimental results (after 6 months free form amino acids supplementation) were definitely different from my baseline test values.  I still haven't quite figured out why because there are so many complex interrelationships with AAs. 

This is still a work-in-progress for me.  I have two friends who have also tested their amino acids and we have a few levels that are wildly different.  I think amino acid tests have the potential to be very helpful in the quest for optimal health, but there is a lot more to learn about how to interpret the results.  It is a tremendous value though at about $3.50 per test (40 tests for $137), no other blood tests come close to providing that value.

[EH]

As far as my results, I do have low-ish tyrosine values which could correlate with my apparent hypothyroid symptoms.  I have low-ish proline values which could contribute to my connective tissue problems (proline is major component of collagen).  I have low aspartic acid and glutamic acid which could contribute to my poor memory concerns.

The problem I found with my across-the-board free form amino acid supplementation was that it raised some levels and lowered others.  It is hard to decipher how exactly that happened, but it definitely changed my profile, for better and worse.  I did notice a major improvement (lowering) in ammonia levels in serum after supplementing with amino acids.

[PeakT]

I'm taking notes on the cheap lab test!  Thx again...

[Peyt]

The best value by far is the Life Extension (ww.lef.org) test for $137.  You have to be a member ($5 per month) to get this price, otherwise it costs $183, which is still a very good deal for 40 amino acids.

http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/ItemLC700068/Amino-Acid-Profile-Blood-Test.html?olditem=LC095638

I have tested amino acids a few times now and didn't find much variation in my results; however, my experimental results (after 6 months free form amino acids supplementation) were definitely different from my baseline test values.  I still haven't quite figured out why because there are so many complex interrelationships with AAs. 

This is still a work-in-progress for me.  I have two friends who have also tested their amino acids and we have a few levels that are wildly different.  I think amino acid tests have the potential to be very helpful in the quest for optimal health, but there is a lot more to learn about how to interpret the results.  It is a tremendous value though at about $3.50 per test (40 tests for $137), no other blood tests come close to providing that value.

Wow, thanks EH
I always thought of Life Extensions as a supplement company only. Had no idea they had blood tests kits.
Have you tried any other tests of theirs that you would consider helpful?
Thanks so much
Peyt

[PeakT]

I split out EH's (great) commentary on the cheapest lab tests he's found:

https://www.peaktestosterone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2642.0

This is a great read.

[vvs1]

Have you done testing through 23andme? That would assess methylation.

A baseline amino acid test could be a great tool if you start supplementing for methylation or amino acids. It's frustrating not working with baseline numbers, and having to monitor which supplements relieve which symptoms.