COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 836
Glyceric acid, Glycolic acid, Oxalic acid
Interpretation
Elevations suggest issues with oxalate metabolism, potential
genetic disorders (primary hyperoxaluria), excess dietary oxalates,
or increased intestinal absorption due to leaky gut or fat
malabsorption.
Clinical Significance of Oxalate Markers
Oxalates are compounds found in many plants that can form
crystals in tissues when elevated:
Sources of Elevated Oxalates
Dietary (high-oxalate foods like spinach, beets, almonds,
chocolate) Endogenous production (often from excess vitamin C
or genetic factors) Intestinal hyperabsorption due to dysbiosis,
particularly yeast overgrowth Fat malabsorption leading to
increased oxalate absorption
Health Implications of Elevated Oxalates
Kidney stones (80% of kidney stones are calcium oxalate) Joint
pain and connective tissue disorders Vulvodynia and genital pain
syndromes Interstitial cystitis symptoms Neurological symptoms
(brain fog, mood disturbances)
Treatment Approaches for Elevated Oxalates
Low-oxalate diet (gradual reduction to prevent "oxalate
dumping") Calcium citrate with meals to bind dietary oxalates
Addressing underlying gut dysbiosis, particularly yeast overgrowth
Improving fat digestion with bile support or digestive enzymes
Vitamin B6 supplementation to support normal oxalate
metabolism
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