---
title: Testing for Metabolic Acidosis
description: Metabolic Acidosis | Anion Gap | Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis |
---

[The Optimal DX Research Blog ](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog)

# [Testing for Metabolic Acidosis](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/testing-for-metabolic-acidosis)

 Written by [ODX Research](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/author/odx-research) | Sep 14, 2023 10:28:44 PM

### Biomarker Patterns

Assessment of specific biomarkers and the anion gap can help evaluate metabolic acidosis. These include:

Increased

- [Amylase](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/enzyme-biomarkers-amylase)
- [Anion Gap](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/metabolic-biomarkers-anion-gap)
- [Chloride](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/electrolyte-biomarkers-chloride)
- [Ionized calcium](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/mineral-biomarkers-calcium)
- Metabolic disorders, inborn errors of metabolism
- [Methylmalonic acid](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/vitamin-biomarkers-methylmalonic-acid)
- [Phosphorus](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/mineral-biomarkers-phosphorus)
- [Potassium](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/electrolyte-biomarkers-potassium)
- [Uric acid](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/biomarkers-of-inflammation-uric-acid)
- [White blood cells](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/biomarkers-of-immunity-total-white-blood-cells-wbcs)

### Decreased

- [Albumin](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/protein-biomarkers-albumin)
- [Bicarbonate/CO2](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/electrolyte-biomarkers-bicarbonate-co2)
- [G6PD enzyme](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/enzyme-biomarkers-g6pd)

Persistent metabolic acidosis should involve a workup for inborn errors of metabolism and include evaluation of ketosis, hypoglycemia, lactatemia, organic acidemia, and mitochondrial dysfunction (Guerrero 2018).

[Low-grade metabolic acidosis](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/low-grade-metabolic-acidosis) can occur when the body retains acid and depletes bicarbonate stores, which can be damaging to tissues and organs if prolonged. Diet is a significant factor in low-grade metabolic acidosis and should be evaluated and addressed when the body’s acid-base balance is out of balance (DiNicolantonio 2021). Diet modifications can help reduce the acid load and help [alkalize the urine](https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/alkalizing-the-urine-for-better-health).

### References

DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe J. Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisis. Open Heart. 2021;8(2):e001730. doi:10.1136/openhrt-2021-001730

Guerrero, Ruben Bonilla et al. “Laboratory diagnostic approaches in metabolic disorders.” Annals of translational medicine vol. 6,24 (2018): 470. doi:10.21037/atm.2018.11.05

 

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