Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Profile (FMV/Random)
Doctor's Data
Sample type: Urine
Requires fasting: No
At home test
Details
Urinary neurotransmitter levels provide an overall assessment of the body's ability to make and break down neurotransmitters and are representative of whole body levels. Neurotransmitters are secreted all through the body, in neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the gastrointestinal microbiome. The enzymes, cofactors and precursors in neurotransmitter metabolism in general are the same in the periphery and in the central nervous system. Therefore abnormal levels of neurotransmitters in urine may provide important clinical information, and may be associated with many symptoms including cognitive and mood concerns, diminished drive, fatigue and sleep difficulties, cravings, addictions and pain, and abnormal abundance and diversity within the gastrointestinal microbiome.
- Taurine
- Glycine
- 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
- Serotonin
- Glutamate
- Histamine
- Tyramine
- Tryptamine
- Metanephrine
- Normetanephrine
- Dopamine, free
- Epinephrine, free
- Gamma-aminobutyrate
- Norepinephrine, free
- Phenethylamine (pea)
- Norepinephrine : epinephrine ratio
- 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (dopac)
- 3-methoxytyramine (3-mt)
- Catecholamine fractionation, free
- Metanephrine fractionation
- Creatinine (Urine)
Estimated days for results: Results should arrive 5 to 7 days after the lab receives samples.
Neurotransmitters are secreted from pre-synaptic neurons into the synapse between nerve cells to stimulate receptors on post-synaptic neurons. The neurotransmitters are all produced from essential aromatic amino acids. Neurotransmitter metabolism may be mediated by a variety of enzymes expressed differently throughout the body. Circulating levels of neurotransmitters and metabolites may have distinctive sources.
A lack of nutritional cofactors (vitamins, minerals) required for normal enzyme function may decrease enzyme function and neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitter receptors and metabolic enzymes may be subject to mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may affect receptor or enzyme function. Normal neurotransmitter receptor function is also necessary for normal neurotransmitter activity. Neurotransmitter levels may be influenced by many factors, such as diet, lifestyle, age, sex, body mass index, hormone imbalance, environmental exposures, infection, chronic inflammation, and nicotine use.
Neurotransmitter analysis provides an overall assessment of a patient's ability to synthesize and metabolize neurotransmitters, which must occur in both the peripheral nervous system and behind the blood brain barrier (BBB). Alterations in urinary neurotransmitter status may result from a variety of conditions including metabolic disorders, mood/behavioral disorders, environmental exposures or (rarely) the presence of certain tumors. Evaluation of neurotransmitters may provide increased clarity about a patient's health and functional status.
Information gained through neurotransmitter testing may provide therapeutic opportunities that improve clinical success and patient health outcomes. Associations between urinary neurotransmitter levels and health conditions have been documented in scientific literature and may provide valuable insight as part of a comprehensive health assessment.
5–7 business days
- Add-on: Urine Amino Acids
- Please read all of the test collection instructions carefully.
- DO NOT collect your sample while menstruating.
48 Hours Before Collection
- Avoid the following foods:
- Avocados
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Bananas
- Melons
- Pineapple
- Grapefruit
- Plums
- Nuts
- Nut butter
- Wine
- Cheese
- Rice
- Chocolate
24 Hours Before Collection
- Avoid the following foods, products, and activities:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
- Tobacco products
- Nicotine products
- Strenuous exercise
Day Before Collection
- Avoid supplements and medications.
- DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
