High oxalic with or without elevated glyceric or glycolic acids may be associated with the genetic hyperoxalurias, autism, women with vulvar pain, fibromyalgia, and may also be due to high vitamin C intake. However, kidney stone formation from oxalic acid was not correlated with vitamin C intake in a very large study.
Potential sources:
Besides being present in varying concentrations in most vegetables and fruits, oxalates, the mineral conjugate base forms of oxalic acid, are also byproducts of molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium and probably Candida.
If yeast or fungal markers are elevated, antifungal therapy may reduce excess oxalates.
High oxalates may cause anemia that is difficult to treat, skin ulcers, muscles pains, and heart abnormalities. Elevated oxalic acid is also the result of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning. Oxalic acid is a toxic metabolite of trichloroacetic acid and other environmental pollutants. In addition, decomposing vitamin C may form oxalates during transport or storage.
When glycolic acid is also increased:
Elevated oxalate values with an associated increase in glycolic acid may indicate genetic hyperoxaluria (type I).
When glyceric acid is also increased:
Increased glyceric acid may indicate a genetic hyperoxaluria (type II).
When both glyceric and glycolic acid levels are normal:
Elevated oxalic acid with normal levels of glyceric or glycolic metabolites rules out a genetic cause for high oxalate. However, elevated oxalates may be due to a new genetic disorder, hyperoxaluria type III.
Regardless of its source, high oxalic acid may contribute to kidney stones and may also reduce ionized calcium.
Potential treatment:
Oxalic acid absorption from the GI tract may be reduced by calcium citrate supplementation before meals. Vitamin B6, arginine, vitamin E, chondroitin sulfate, taurine, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids and/or N-acetyl glucosamine supplements may also reduce oxalates and/or their toxicity.
Excessive fats in the diet may cause elevated oxalate if fatty acids are poorly absorbed because of bile salt deficiency. Unabsorbed free fatty acids bind calcium to form insoluble soaps, reducing calcium's ability to bind oxalate and increase its absorption. If taurine is low in a plasma amino acid profile, supplementation with taurine (1000 mg/day) may help stimulate bile salt production (taurocholic acid), leading to better fatty acid absorption and diminished oxalate absorption.
High levels of oxalates are common in autism. Malabsorption of fat and intestinal Candida overgrowth are probably the major causes for elevated oxalates in this disorder. Even individuals with elevated glyceric or glycolic acids may not have a genetic disease.
Low oxalic acid levels in an Organic Acids Test (OAT) can have several implications. The OAT is commonly used to assess various metabolic and nutritional issues by measuring the levels of organic acids in urine. Organic acids are metabolic intermediates produced in pathways of central energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter breakdown, or intestinal microbial activity.
Oxalic acid, specifically, is a dicarboxylic acid that is considered an end product of metabolism, primarily formed from the metabolism of glycine, glycolate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and ethylene glycol. It can also be derived from dietary sources, particularly from certain vegetables and nuts.
Low levels of oxalic acid could suggest:
- Normal Metabolism and Low Dietary Intake: If your diet is low in oxalic acid-rich foods or if your body is efficiently metabolizing and excreting oxalates, this could result in low urinary oxalate levels.
- Nutritional Deficiencies or Imbalances: Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies might affect the production of oxalic acid. For instance, deficiencies in B vitamins could potentially impact the metabolic pathways that produce oxalic acid.
- Gut Microbiome Health: The gut microbiota plays a role in the metabolism of oxalates. An imbalance in gut bacteria might affect how your body processes and excretes oxalates.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic variations can influence how your body metabolizes various compounds, including oxalates.
It's important to interpret these results in the context of the entire OAT profile and in conjunction with clinical symptoms and dietary habits. A healthcare provider, particularly one experienced in interpreting OAT results, can provide more personalized insights and recommendations based on the overall test results and individual health status.
Oxalic (Males Under Age 13)
