What is Arabinose? A biomarker on the organic acids test.

Arabinose is a breakdown product of hyaluronic acid; also found in certain foods. Arabinose is a five-carbon sugar with the function of the aldehyde called aldose. It is suspected that the arabitol produced by yeasts in the gastrointestinal tract is absorbed in the portal circulation, and is then converted into arabinose by the liver. It is not metabolized endogenously and is eliminated by the urine, so consequently high levels of arabinose in the urine may be a good indicator of Candida infections.

A healthy result should fall into the range 0 – 29 mmol/mol creatinine.

What does it mean if your Arabinose (female) result is too high?

This sugar is found in several fruits – apples, plums, cherries, grapes, and in juices made from these fruits. Urinary levels higher than the reference range may simply reflect a high dietary intake of these fruits. However, arabinitol (which converts to arabinose) is also documented to be produced by the Candida genus of yeast. When elevated in body tissues, it can link with lysine and arginine. In theory, this may block some binding sites for coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate, biotin or lipoic acid at the lysyl residue in apoenzyme proteins. This would impair enzymatic processes, such as transamination of amino acids (in spite of “normal” intake of vitamin B6). A finding of high arabinose, without dietary intake of the above-mentioned fruits, suggests a stool analysis or other tests/examinations for Candida overgrowth.

– Ingestion of arabinose rich foods (apples, plums, cherries, grapes)

– Joint inflammation leading to release of hyaluronic acid

Additional Investigations:

Intestinal Permeability

Treatment considerations:

– Rule out arabinose containing foods (apples, plums, cherries, grapes)

– Address any joint inflammation

Disclaimer:

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

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