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Aminolevulinic acid
Aminolevulinic acid
Explanation: Aminolevulinic acid is a natural substance in the body that helps produce porphyrins, which are essential for producing heme. Heme is a key part of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Aminolevulinic acid is also involved in creating energy for cells.
Test purpose: Assess symptoms such as abdominal pain or nerve-related issues, common signs of acute porphyria (some types also cause skin sensitivity to sunlight), a condition that usually develops between ages 15 and 45 but can occur at any age. If aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is elevated, further evaluation is necessary, including measuring ALA levels in urine, porphyrins in urine and stool and porphobilinogen (PBG) levels in plasma to confirm acute porphyria. However, a high ALA on its own (with a normal PBG) is more often caused by lead poisoning, and smaller rises are also seen with heavy alcohol use and in pregnancy.
Other information about this test: Mayo Clinic
An aspect of Liver and Pancreas Health.