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Asparagine is a type of amino acid that your body can create on its own, so you don't need to get it from food. It's important for making proteins, which are the main building blocks of your body. Asparagine also helps your nervous system work properly by acting as a messenger between nerve cells. Additionally, it plays a role in controlling how cells function and helps get rid of ammonia. Asparagine was first discovered in asparagus, but it's also found in many other foods like dairy products, chicken, beef, eggs, fish, and whole grains.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated Asparagine levels might mean that you're consuming a lot of protein-rich foods like meat, dairy, and whole grains, or that your body is making more Asparagine than it needs. Some medications, especially those related to protein synthesis or metabolism, could also play a role in increasing Asparagine levels. In rare cases, high levels could be linked to conditions that affect how your body manages amino acids. Overall, higher Asparagine levels could be due to various factors, such as diet, medications, or specific health conditions.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Asparagine are generally non-specific and may not be noticeable, as the body typically maintains a balance of amino acids. However, in rare cases, it could potentially lead to neurological issues like irritability, confusion, or headaches due to its role in the nervous system.
If Your Levels are Low
Low asparagine levels might mean that your body is having trouble making enough of this non-essential amino acid. This could be due to not eating enough protein-rich foods, having an imbalance in your body's metabolism, or taking certain medications that can affect how amino acids are made. Sometimes, stress or illness can make your body need more asparagine, which can also lead to lower levels. In a few cases, your genes might play a part in how well your body can produce asparagine. Even though your body can make asparagine on its own, it's still important for building proteins, helping your nerves work properly, and managing how cells function.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Asparagine may include fatigue, weakened immune system, and potential issues with nervous system function such as mood swings or irritability.
The Metabolomix+ combines a variety of tests to analyze key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.
NutrEval® Plasma by Genova Diagnostics
Whole Blood
Urine
Serum
Plasma
The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.
Micronutrient Test by SpectraCell Laboratories
Whole Blood
The SpectraCell Micronutrient Test analyzes over 30 vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to determine nutritional deficiencies. It also analyzes the performance and functional deficiencies of these micronutrients. This test is not recommended for patients under 12 years of age.
NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics
Whole Blood
Urine
Serum
The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.
Cellular Micronutrient Assay by Cell Science Systems
Whole Blood
The Cellular Micronutrient Assay measures the effect of micronutrients on a patient's immune function to identify nutrient insufficiencies. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 9 years of age.