COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 837
Microbial Markers
Yeast and Fungal Markers
D-arabinitol, Arabinose, Carboxycitric acid, Tartaric acid
Interpretation
Elevations suggest fungal overgrowth, often Candida.
Bacterial Markers
HPHPA (3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid), 4-cresol,
4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid
Interpretation
Elevations suggest dysbiosis, potentially Clostridia species or other
harmful bacteria. Specific markers correspond to particular
bacterial strains.
Benzoate and Hippurate
Interpretation
Can indicate dysbiosis but may also reflect dietary intake of
preservatives or plant foods.
Clinical Significance of Microbial Markers
Microbial metabolites provide valuable information about gut
ecology:
Fungal Overgrowth Markers
D-arabinitol is produced almost exclusively by Candida species.
Elevated arabinose indicates yeast fermentation in the gut. These
markers correlate with symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and sugar
cravings.
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