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Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
Organic acid metabolism disorder is an inherited condition affecting the breakdown of organic acids, leading to metabolic disturbances.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Treatment for amino acid metabolism disorders varies depending on the specific disorder but generally includes dietary modifications to limit certain amino acids, supplementation with essential nutrients, and close monitoring of metabolic status.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Hidetaka Hamasaki, MD (Endocrinology)
Dr. Hamasaki graduated from the Hiroshima University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University. He completed his residency at the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital and the Department of Internal Medicine, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine. He has served in the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital and Kohnodai Hospital and joined Hamasaki Clinic in April 2017. Dr. Hamasaki specializes in diabetes and treats a wide range of internal medicine and endocrine disorders.
Content updated on Feb 28, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
Always Tired? Why Amino Acid Structure Rules Health + Medical Next Steps
A.
Fatigue can stem from overlooked amino acid structure issues that affect how proteins fold, enzymes make ATP, and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are produced. There are several factors to consider; see below for key causes such as low protein or absorption problems, micronutrient deficits, liver stress, and chronic stress that can drain energy. Next steps include reviewing diet quality and sleep, then asking your clinician about CBC, iron, thyroid, B12 and folate, liver tests, and if needed plasma amino acids, urine organic acids, and ammonia, with selective genetic testing. Important details that can shape your care, including red flags and a free symptom check link, are outlined below.
References:
* Puts, L. C., et al. (2021). Altered amino acid profiles in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: a systematic review. *Journal of translational medicine*, *19*(1), 1-13.
* Ghafoor, R., et al. (2023). Amino Acid Supplementation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Systematic Review. *Nutrients*, *15*(22), 4784.
* Holecek, M. (2018). Branched-chain amino acids and fatigue: a review of the current literature. *Journal of Physical Activity and Nutrition*, *22*(4), 169-173.
* Missailidis, C., et al. (2020). Mitochondrial dysfunction and amino acid metabolism in chronic fatigue syndrome. *Mitochondrion*, *53*, 215-223.
* Stone, K. J., et al. (2022). The Role of Tryptophan in Fatigue: A Scoping Review. *Nutrients*, *14*(18), 3737.
Q.
Is Your Health a Mystery? Why Genetic Testing is Your Medically Approved Next Step
A.
Genetic testing is a medically supported way to clarify confusing health issues, backed by the CDC and NIH, that can uncover hidden causes, guide personalized treatment, and help prevent serious complications, especially if you have unexplained symptoms or a strong family history. There are several factors to consider. See below for when testing is appropriate, what results can and cannot tell you, the role of counseling and insurance protections, the step by step process, metabolic clues like amino acid disorders, urgent symptoms that need care, and tools to plan your next steps.
References:
* Regier DA, et al. The use of genetic testing in clinical practice: a scoping review. J Genet Couns. 2022 Dec;31(6):1343-1361. PMID: 35790875.
* Ganiats TG, et al. Genetic Testing for Personalized Medicine: A Systematic Review. Am J Prev Med. 2019 Dec;57(6):830-841. PMID: 31802958.
* Varghese S, et al. Clinical utility of next-generation sequencing in genetic disorders. J Clin Pathol. 2021 Sep;74(9):571-576. PMID: 33924376.
* Green RC, et al. Integrating Genomic Information into Clinical Practice: An Implementation Science Perspective. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2020 Sep 10;21:381-402. PMID: 32244222.
* Hampel H, et al. Clinical Utility of Germline Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancers. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Nov 20;38(33):3995-4007. PMID: 32959635.
Q.
What is DNA? Why Your Genes Impact Your Health + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
DNA is the instruction code in nearly every cell that, through genes and the proteins they make, guides how your body grows, repairs, metabolizes nutrients, and responds to infections, medications, and disease. Genes influence disease risk, metabolism, and drug response, including some inherited conditions, but they are not destiny because lifestyle and medical care can shift outcomes. There are several factors to consider; see below for important details and medically approved next steps, including how to review family history, decide when genetic testing or urgent evaluation is warranted, and use screening, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management to act on your risks.
References:
* Green ED, Guttmacher AE, Khoury MJ. Genomics in Medicine: A Decade of Progress. N Engl J Med. 2023 Dec 7;389(23):2184-2194. PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051755/
* Iwayama Y. The era of genomics in medicine: progress, challenges, and future prospects. J Hum Genet. 2022 Mar;67(3):149-158. PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35345719/
* Caulfield T, Rachul C, Murdoch S. Genomic medicine: from research to practice. J Med Genet. 2020 Jan;57(1):1-2. PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31699745/
* Rehm HL. The promise of genomic medicine: a global perspective. Genome Med. 2019 Jun 24;11(1):40. PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31248443/
* Mirnezami R, Mirnezami R, Nicholson J, Kinross J. Precision Medicine: An Overview. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Nov 16;12:756381. PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34803511/
Q.
Confused by Your DNA? Why DNA Structure Guides Your Medical Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider when interpreting DNA results, because DNA structure guides how proteins function, which can explain genetic conditions, influence nutrient and medication processing, and shift your risk for common diseases, though genetics is not destiny. See below to understand more. For clear next steps, see below for how to read variant classifications, match findings to symptoms and family history, decide when to seek genetic counseling or targeted testing and preventive screening, know urgent red flags, and access a symptom check for amino acid metabolism disorders.
References:
* Rehm HL, Bale SJ, Bayrak-Toydemir P, et al. ACMG SF v3.1: ACMG Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants: 2023 Update. Genet Med. 2023;25(10):100949. doi:10.1016/j.gim.2023.100949.
* Korf BR. Genomic medicine: An update. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2020;184(1):5-9. doi:10.1002/ajmg.c.31804.
* Luo J, Zhu X, Shi J, et al. Application of DNA sequencing technologies in precision medicine. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2022;79(5):249. doi:10.1007/s00018-022-04288-z.
* Rönnblom L, Eloranta ML, Perheentupa H, Wetterö J, Lindblom J, Sandell C. Epigenetics and Personalized Medicine. Semin Immunopathol. 2018;40(5):459-470. doi:10.1007/s00281-018-0708-0.
* Caudle KE, Dunnenberger HM, Freimuth RR, et al. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guidelines: 2021 Update. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021;110(4):872-880. doi:10.1002/cpt.2443.
Q.
Sick After Fava Beans? Why Your Blood Reacts + Vital Medical Next Steps
A.
Feeling unwell after fava beans can signal G6PD deficiency, a genetic enzyme issue where fava compounds trigger red blood cell breakdown, causing fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, and sometimes life threatening anemia; this is a blood reaction, not a simple food intolerance. There are several factors to consider, and symptoms can escalate quickly. See below for vital next steps that could change your care, including when to seek emergency help, which tests to request such as CBC and G6PD testing and why timing matters, plus long term trigger and medication avoidance.
References:
* Cappellini MD, Piga A, Meloni T, Galanello R, Luzzatto L. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Favism: A Global and Updated Perspective. Front Physiol. 2021 Jul 7;12:680816. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.680816. PMID: 34295320; PMCID: PMC8292850.
* Luzzatto L, van der Meer JW, Vulto AG, Cappellini MD. Favism: A comprehensive review. Eur J Pediatr. 2020 Aug;179(8):1127-1136. doi: 10.1007/s00431-020-03679-0. Epub 2020 Jun 3. PMID: 32488661; PMCID: PMC7367838.
* Arese P, De Franceschi L, Piga A, Cappellini MD. The clinical picture of G6PD deficiency in the new millennium: new challenges for an old disease. Hematology. 2019 Dec;24(1):2-13. doi: 10.1080/16078454.2018.1517409. Epub 2018 Sep 20. PMID: 31190472; PMCID: PMC7412711.
* Frank JE. Diagnosis and Management of G6PD Deficiency. Am J Clin Pathol. 2018 Jun 1;149(6):449-455. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqy036. PMID: 29878170.
* Hsiao MJ, Kao TJ, Ho HC, Chen YC, Lu MY, Wang KL, Jhuang CM. Clinical Features and Management of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Taiwan. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 21;12(16):5435. doi: 10.3390/jcm12165435. PMID: 37629399; PMCID: PMC10455823.
Q.
MTHFR? Why Your Body is Struggling + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
MTHFR variants can reduce folate processing and raise homocysteine, which may impact pregnancy, clotting, and heart risk, but most people with C677T or A1298C remain healthy and do not need routine genetic testing. Medically approved next steps include talking with a clinician about your history and symptoms, checking homocysteine when appropriate, optimizing nutrition with food-based folate and considering supervised methylfolate if needed, and prioritizing proven risk reducers like blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, and not smoking. There are several factors to consider, including pregnancy planning and past clots, plus cautions about high dose supplements and B12 masking, so see the complete details below.
References:
* Jadavji T, Al-Judaibi A, Gupta V. MTHFR C677T and A1298C Polymorphisms: A Comprehensive Review on Their Role in Genetic Susceptibility of Various Diseases, Therapeutic Response, and Personalized Medicine. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jan 18;25(2):1122. doi: 10.3390/ijms25021122. PMID: 38240032; PMCID: PMC10859353.
* Vasilevska K, Zisovska E, Vasilevska M, Jovevska S. MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and Their Role in Human Diseases. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2022 Feb 14;10(B):481-486. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8646. PMID: 35160249; PMCID: PMC8822941.
* Hosseini M, Zakeri M, Ravanfar P, Moshari P, Bahrampour A, Nazer M. MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and Folic Acid Supplementation: Clinical Implications. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2022;23(16):1790-1803. doi: 10.2174/1389201023666220613143522. PMID: 36569145.
* Madrigal-Núñez MA, Ruiz-González S, Pérez-Ramírez AM, López-González DS, Solís-Hernández M, Díaz-Velázquez D, Gallegos-Castorena M. The MTHFR C677T Polymorphism: A Review of Its Association With Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Genomics. 2022;23(1):16-24. doi: 10.2174/138920292301220202102143. PMID: 35270146; PMCID: PMC8891503.
* Guan M, Yang X, Tang H, Wei R. MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms and Homocysteine: A Review. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2023;24(1):15-28. doi: 10.2174/1389201023666220713101235. PMID: 36620023.
Q.
What Does DNA Stand For? Your Genetic Risks & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the body’s instruction manual that directs protein production and influences traits and health risks, but it does not set your health in stone. There are several factors to consider, and medically approved next steps include reviewing family history, talking with a doctor and possibly a genetic counselor about appropriate testing, and focusing on modifiable risks like nutrition, activity, and blood pressure; see below for complete details that could affect your healthcare decisions.
References:
* Lee S, Park HD, Jo YS, et al. Genomics in Clinical Practice: A Case-Based Approach. Clin Chem. 2020 Feb;66(2):247-254. doi: 10.1093/clinchem/hvz007. PMID: 32009033.
* Schofield D, Bogardus C, Dunlop K, et al. Personalized prevention of common diseases: a prospective vision for the integration of genomics into medical practice. Eur J Hum Genet. 2021 Jul;29(7):993-1002. doi: 10.1038/s41431-021-00868-w. PMID: 33854117.
* Ploeger A, de Vries S, van der Meer V, et al. Genomic counseling and testing: Evolution from rare Mendelian diseases to common complex disorders. Front Genet. 2022 Dec 15;13:1052601. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1052601. PMID: 36589332.
* Li S, Wu Y, Yang J, et al. Genomic Testing for Personalized Medicine: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines. 2023 Mar 14;11(3):885. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11030885. PMID: 36979603.
* Liu Z, Li H, Chen H, et al. The Human Genome Project at 20 Years: Advances in Genomic Medicine. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023 May;98(5):785-797. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.01.006. PMID: 37147118.
Q.
What Is a Gene? Why Your DNA Impacts Health & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A gene is a segment of DNA that provides the instructions to make proteins, which shape your traits and influence health, from how you process nutrients to your risk for inherited and common diseases; genes matter, but lifestyle and environment also play major roles. There are several factors to consider, including when to seek genetic counseling or testing, how to use family history and preventive screenings, and which symptoms need urgent care; see below for medically approved next steps and key details that can guide your personal healthcare plan.
References:
* Gerstein MB, et al. What Is a Gene? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2022 Mar 28;377(1847):20200427. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0427.
* Visscher PM, et al. Genomic approaches to common disease: a new era. Nat Rev Genet. 2017 Sep;18(9):561-572. doi: 10.1038/nrg.2017.38.
* Manolio TA, et al. The impact of genomics on health: a global perspective. Genome Res. 2017 Aug;27(8):1251-1259. doi: 10.1101/gr.220194.117.
* Joyner MJ, et al. Precision medicine: from research to the clinic. Nat Med. 2021 Jul;27(7):1123-1127. doi: 10.1038/s41591-021-01362-7.
* Kalia SS, et al. Genetic Testing: Clinical Utility in the Era of Precision Medicine. Am J Med. 2021 Jun;134(6):708-715. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.01.037.
Q.
Always Tired? Why Your Cells Are Failing: Amino Acid Chart & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Always tired even after sleep? An imbalance or poor processing of amino acids can stall your cells’ mitochondria, and the complete essential vs nonessential amino acid chart plus symptoms and root causes are explained below. Next steps include protein targets, specific labs to request, red flags that need urgent care, and when supplements may help or harm. There are several factors to consider that could change your plan, so see the full guidance below.
References:
* Visser FC, Flierman HA, van der Velde J, et al. Mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome. QJM. 2012 Nov;105(11):1119-27. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcs097. Epub 2012 May 21. PMID: 22619213.
* Newsholme P, et al. Amino acid metabolism and its role in immune response and energy metabolism. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017 Jan;20(1):47-52. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000330. PMID: 27861113.
* Wu G. Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition. Amino Acids. 2013 Oct;45(3):407-11. doi: 10.1007/s00726-013-1507-6. Epub 2013 May 22. PMID: 23695233.
* Glassford JA, et al. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in fatigue and the therapeutic potential of metabolic modulators. Pharmacol Ther. 2021 Jul;223:107802. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107802. Epub 2021 Feb 3. PMID: 33549749.
* Malaguarnera M, et al. L-carnitine in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Drug Investig. 2010;30(10):735-43. doi: 10.2165/11537240-000000000-00000. PMID: 20857868.
Q.
Are Your Genes to Blame? Why DNA Triggers Symptoms & Medical Next Steps
A.
Yes, genes can trigger symptoms, but DNA is only part of the story: single-gene disorders can directly cause disease, while most common conditions reflect many genes interacting with environment and epigenetics, so genes raise risk rather than guarantee illness. Next steps include documenting family history, tracking symptoms, discussing guided genetic or metabolic testing and genetic counseling with a clinician, considering earlier screening and targeted treatments, and seeking urgent care for severe red flags; there are several factors to consider, and important details that could change your plan are outlined below.
References:
* Birney E, Smith GD, Greaves M. Genomics in healthcare: understanding the opportunities and challenges. PLoS Med. 2017 Jun 27;14(6):e1002302. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002302. PMID: 28672051; PMCID: PMC5488975.
* Antonarakis SE, Valsaline H. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Mendelian disorders. Nat Rev Genet. 2019 Sep;20(9):505-520. doi: 10.1038/s41576-019-0125-5. Epub 2019 May 28. PMID: 31346200.
* Jiang T, Li E, Hu X, Zheng G, Xu X, Tian C. Precision medicine: from genetic diagnosis to genome editing. J Med Genet. 2020 Dec;57(12):804-814. doi: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106597. Epub 2020 Apr 14. PMID: 32284347.
* Varesco L, Bellizzi D, Tavano B, Puzzo L. Current and Future Status of Genetic Disease Diagnosis. Genes (Basel). 2021 Sep 14;12(9):1414. doi: 10.3390/genes12091414. PMID: 34573359; PMCID: PMC8468798.
* Mishra R, Khurana S, Pathak H, Jain A, Singh Y, Dangi A. Personalized Medicine in Genetic Disorders: Current Perspectives and Future Directions. Front Genet. 2022 Mar 10;13:841499. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2022.841499. PMID: 35340638; PMCID: PMC8946764.
Q.
Always Fatigued? Why Your Body Needs Amino Acids + Medical Next Steps
A.
Persistent fatigue can be driven by an amino acid imbalance that limits energy production, neurotransmitters, muscle repair, and hormones, but other causes like anemia, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, and depression are common too. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Next steps include reviewing protein intake and digestion, tracking symptoms, considering a targeted symptom check, and seeing a clinician for labs such as CBC, metabolic panel, thyroid, iron and B12, and when indicated plasma amino acids, with urgent care for red flags like confusion, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, seizures, or rapid worsening; avoid self-prescribing amino acid supplements without medical advice.
References:
* Verkhratsky A, Rodríguez JJ, Parpura V, et al. Amino acid metabolism and the brain in fatigue. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2021 Jul;128(7):999-1011. doi: 10.1007/s00702-021-02383-0. Epub 2021 Jun 10. PMID: 34110368.
* Hanson MR, Fan J, D'Souza S, et al. Nutritional and metabolic disturbances in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a comprehensive review. Front Mol Biosci. 2024 Jan 12;10:1320499. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1320499. PMID: 38274642; PMCID: PMC10816999.
* Yao J, Li N, Shi Y, et al. Potential for Amino Acid and Protein Supplementation in Preventing and Treating Fatigue. Nutrients. 2021 May 29;13(6):1872. doi: 10.3390/nu13061872. PMID: 34073383; PMCID: PMC8229648.
* Li P, Wu G. The role of amino acids in the immune system and the gut microbiome: implications for personalized medicine. Adv Nutr. 2018 Jul 1;9(4):460-474. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmy020. PMID: 30007912; PMCID: PMC6042440.
* Wu G. Amino acid metabolism and energy production in health and disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013;777:1-18. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5551-0_1. PMID: 23143891.
Q.
Homozygous Result? The Reality & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Homozygous means you inherited two identical copies of a gene variant, and its impact ranges from harmless to medically significant autosomal recessive conditions like PKU or other amino acid metabolism disorders, depending entirely on the specific gene and variant. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Medically approved next steps are to confirm the test type, speak with a doctor or genetic counselor for interpretation and possible confirmatory testing, review symptoms and family risks, and follow recommended monitoring, seeking urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms; see complete details, red flags, and a symptom check below.
References:
* Richards, S., Aziz, N., Bale, S., Bick, D., Das, S., Gastier-Foster, J., ... & Voelkerding, K. (2015). Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants: a joint consensus recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. *Genetics in Medicine*, *17*(5), 405–424.
* Boycott, K. M., Vanstone, M. R., Bulman, D. E., & Chong, J. X. (2017). Rare-disease genetics in the era of next-generation sequencing: a new paradigm for the clinic. *Nature Reviews Genetics*, *18*(11), 651–662.
* Yang, Y., Muzny, D. M., & Xia, F. (2019). Clinical Genetic Testing for Patients With Inherited Disorders. *Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics*, *20*, 123–145.
* Green, R. C., Miller, D. T., Biesecker, L. G., Haggerty, S. G., Jamal, L. M., Lindhurst, M. J., ... & AMAZE working group. (2022). ACMG SF V3.1: ACMG/AMP clinical practice guideline for the reporting of secondary findings in genomic medicine. *Genetics in Medicine*, *24*(12), 2217–2224.
* Burke, W., Korngiebel, D. M., & Wright, C. F. (2017). Ethical and social issues in genomic medicine. *Nature Reviews Genetics*, *18*(10), 573–583.
Q.
Trisomy 13? The Scientific Reality and Your Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Trisomy 13, or Patau syndrome, is caused by an extra chromosome 13 and often results in severe organ involvement and a life-limiting prognosis, although outcomes differ between full, mosaic, and partial forms. Medically approved next steps include confirming the diagnosis with definitive chromosome testing, meeting maternal-fetal and pediatric specialists and a genetic counselor, and discussing comfort-focused versus aggressive care plus planning for future pregnancies. There are several factors that can change your decisions and timing, so see the complete answer below for key details on testing, treatment options, prognosis nuances, and when to seek urgent care.
References:
* Allderdice, P. W., & Eales, R. L. (2023). Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13): A Review of the Genetic Basis, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management. *Genes*, *14*(12), 2110. PMID: 38131379.
* Meyer, R. E., & Correa, A. (2018). Trisomy 13 and 18: Is there a change in the natural history? *American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics*, *178*(1), 84-93. PMID: 29517178.
* Gupta, P., & Singh, A. (2022). Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 13: a review of current methods and challenges. *Journal of Perinatal Medicine*, *50*(6), 683-690. PMID: 35687707.
* Rosolowsky, E. T., & Levy, J. (2019). Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13): Ethical considerations and patient-centered care. *Pediatric Clinics of North America*, *66*(4), 785-796. PMID: 31256956.
* Braddock, S. R., & Committee on Genetics. (2022). Outcomes in Trisomy 13 and 18: An Update from the T13/18 Project. *American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics*, *190*(1), 108-118. PMID: 35146865.
Q.
Is it a faulty gene? Why your health is failing and the medical steps to take
A.
There are several factors to consider: genes can contribute to declining health, especially with strong family history, early or unexplained symptoms, involvement of multiple body systems, or rare conditions, but most issues arise from a mix of genetics, environment, and lifestyle; see below to understand more. Start by tracking symptoms and family history, then see your primary care doctor to ask about genetic counseling plus metabolic and genetic testing; consider targeted tools like an amino acid metabolism symptom check. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms; complete step by step guidance and key nuances that could change your next steps are below.
References:
* Manolio TA. Genetic basis of common chronic diseases: Current insights and future prospects. Nat Rev Genet. 2020 Mar;21(3):149-161. doi: 10.1038/s41576-019-0199-x. Epub 2019 Dec 9. PMID: 31822765.
* Kitzmiller J, Mikail C, Gholizadeh S, Huang S, Topol EJ. Genomic medicine: a new paradigm for healthcare. Am J Hum Genet. 2019 Jun 6;104(6):1001-1008. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.04.010. Epub 2019 May 16. PMID: 31104863; PMCID: PMC6560416.
* Nyamuoga AN, et al. Human genetic variation in disease susceptibility and drug response: from ancient history to personalized medicine. J Hum Genet. 2018 Oct;63(10):1063-1077. doi: 10.1038/s10038-018-0504-2. Epub 2018 Aug 2. PMID: 30072793.
* Lupski JR, Belmont JW, Boerwinkle E, Gibbs RA, Mao R, Newburger PE, Yang Y. Precision Medicine for Mendelian Diseases: The Path Towards Targeted Therapies. J Med Genet. 2021 May;58(5):289-300. doi: 10.1136/jmedgen-2020-107062. Epub 2020 Sep 28. PMID: 32988921; PMCID: PMC7959082.
* Visscher PM, Wray NR, Zhang Q, Sklar N, McCarthy MI, et al. Genetic Predisposition to Complex Diseases: A Review of Current Approaches and Challenges. PLoS Genet. 2017 Jul 27;13(7):e1006916. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006916. PMID: 28749872; PMCID: PMC5533314.
Q.
Is it in Your Genes? Why Your DNA is Impacting Your Health & Medical Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Your genes can raise risk for common diseases, shape how you process nutrients and medications, and cause some inherited conditions, but they are not destiny because lifestyle and care can meaningfully change outcomes. Next steps may include collecting family history, reviewing persistent symptoms, using appropriate screening or genetic testing, and acting on prevention; important red flags, when to test, and condition-specific tools are explained below to guide your healthcare decisions.
References:
* Krawczak M. Genomic medicine: An updated review. Clin Genet. 2020 Aug;98(2):107-115. doi: 10.1111/cge.13745. Epub 2020 Jul 1. PMID: 32542617.
* Ashley EA. Precision medicine and the future of healthcare. Nat Rev Genet. 2018 Dec;19(12):795-802. doi: 10.1038/s41576-018-0066-5. PMID: 30374187.
* Relling MV, Giacomini KM. Pharmacogenomics: a global perspective. Nat Rev Genet. 2019 Jun;20(6):341-353. doi: 10.1038/s41576-019-0114-6. PMID: 30971842.
* Lewis KL, Baynam G, Clark MJ, Clarke L, Copland J, Davis M, Dell'Acqua F, D'Silva A, Field M, Fletcher S, Forrest R, Gason AA, Geaghan M, Glanville D, Gregory N, Groenewegen A, Heussler H, Hunter MF, Kahler R, Kwiatek A, Leenders A, Liley E, Longman B, Lumsden D, Luna-Figueroa L, Mahajan A, Martindale H, McGillivray G, Naimo J, Nesbit A, Nicholls W, Ong J, Pinner J, Radford C, Riley L, Scott A, Smith T, Suthers S, Syrmis MW, Tan TY, Taylor C, Thompson E, Tirupathi S, White M, White SM, Winlaw D, Wotton R, Zankl A, Bellgard M, Berman Y, Gibson J, O'Sullivan M. Genomic Sequencing for Disease Diagnosis and Management: A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2020 Oct 13;324(14):1426-1436. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.1264. PMID: 33048243; PMCID: PMC7554904.
* Torkamani A, Wineinger NE, Topol EJ. Polygenic risk scores: applications in medical practice and public health. Nat Rev Genet. 2021 May;22(5):343-353. doi: 10.1038/s41576-021-00350-4. PMID: 33854199.
Q.
Always Tired? Why Your Amino Acids are Crashing + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Persistent fatigue can stem from amino acid imbalances that slow mitochondrial energy, disrupt serotonin and dopamine, destabilize blood sugar, and promote muscle breakdown, often driven by low protein intake, poor absorption, chronic stress, liver or kidney problems, or rare metabolism disorders. Medically approved next steps include meeting protein targets of at least 0.8 g/kg daily and often 1.0 to 1.6 g/kg for active, older, or recovering adults, supporting digestion, getting targeted labs such as thyroid, B12, iron, liver and kidney tests and when appropriate a plasma amino acid profile, avoiding random supplements, and knowing urgent warning signs; see the complete details below, including a symptom check tool, to decide which steps matter most for you.
References:
* Dudgeon WD, et al. The effect of specific amino acids on fatigue and exercise performance: a narrative review. J Sports Sci Med. 2021 May 11;20(2):292-303. PMID: 33916962.
* Velasio C, et al. Role of L-carnitine in fatigue management in chronic diseases. Nutrition. 2019 Jun;62:131-137. PMID: 30678625.
* Goularas L, et al. Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation and Exercise-Induced Central Fatigue: A Systematic Review. Sports (Basel). 2022 Oct 28;10(11):173. PMID: 36360661.
* Malyshkina Y, et al. Amino Acid Metabolism in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME): A Review. Metabolites. 2022 Jul 26;12(8):686. PMID: 35923984.
* Wang Y, et al. Amino acid supplementation for metabolic regulation and disease management: Current status and future trends. Front Nutr. 2023 Sep 13;10:1248440. PMID: 37765171.
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.

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Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Aliu E, Kanungo S, Arnold GL. Amino acid disorders. Ann Transl Med. 2018 Dec;6(24):471. doi: 10.21037/atm.2018.12.12. PMID: 30740402; PMCID: PMC6331359.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6331359/Ling, ZN., Jiang, YF., Ru, JN. et al. Amino acid metabolism in health and disease. Sig Transduct Target Ther 8, 345 (2023).
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-023-01569-3Pajares, M. Á. (2023). Amino Acid Metabolism and Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), 11935.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/15/11935