Oxidative Stress: Malondialdehyde Testing (Meta-Oxy testing)

What is Malondialdialdehyde?

Malondialdehyde is the organic compound with the formula CH₂(CHO)₂. Malondialdehyde is a marker for oxidative stress and cell membrane damage due to free radicals.

Why Do I Need The Meta-Oxy Test?

Systemic Formula’s Meta-Oxy Test determines the amount of cell membrane damage taking place in your body. Our cell membranes are involved in many vital processes, including maintaining energy, immune system communication, and hormone function. As a result, our membranes need to be functioning optimally to achieve our best state of health.

Each cell contains three membranes: 1) the cell wall that defines its structure and maintains integrity, 2) the mitochondrial membrane that supports the cell’s energy processes, and 3) the nuclear membrane that protects your genetic code (DNA) and epigenome (how your DNA is expressed). Damage to the cell membrane occurs from free radicals triggered by environmental chemicals (air, water, food) and skin contact (home cleaning and body care products), as well as from the cells’ energy-generating process (ATP production—link to enrg). Free radicals damage our cell membranes and reduce the efficiency of cellular processes. Free radical damage to DNA strands also increases the rate of cell death and, therefore, the likelihood of autoimmune (link to article) and chronic degenerative diseases.

By learning the extent of cellular damage occurring, your diet and supplementation can be adjusted to better 1) protect cell membranes (using anti-oxidants), 2) increase your level of glutathione (the body’s most important anti-oxidant and detoxifier), and 3) assist in membrane repair.

Is the Meta-Oxy Test Important?

Cellular inflammation is the silent killer. Inflammation lies at the root of most modern disease, and is associated with heart and cardiovascular disease, cancer, hormone dysregulation, insulin and weight-loss resistance, mitochondrial diseases (often classified as “incurable”), and many more. The Meta-Oxy test screens for cellular inflammation levels, and depending upon the degree of inflammation, indicates whether extra anti-oxidant support is needed to improve health. The test is a tool to motivate people to be educated and pro-active about nutritional and supplemental support.

What Does the Test Measure & How Precise is it?

Cell membranes account for most of the fat in the body. When fat (including cell membranes) is oxidized, toxic aldehydes are released into the urine via the kidneys.

The Meta-Oxy Test measures malondialdehyde in the urine, which is a marker for oxidative stress and cell membrane damage due to free radicals. The substance in the test vial reacts with the toxic aldehydes in the urine, specifically the malondialdehyde released when fats are metabolized. The level of malondialdehyde in the urine indicates the amount of oxidized fat; therefore, the more malondialdehyde measured in the urine, the greater the amount of cell membrane damage.

The Meta-Oxy Test is 50 times more accurate than a blood test. However, a subjective element remains because the reading is based upon one’s perception of the color concentration of the testing vial. The more malondialdehyde in the urine, the more significantly the urine color will change from a shade of yellow to the magenta of malondialdehyde, revealing the extent of cell membrane damage. The darker the magenta color, the more cellular damage is occurring.

How Do I Read The Meta-Oxy Colorimetric Color Scale?

The scale measures test results on a scale of 0 through 7. Scores of 0-2 are considered safe, suggesting the body has available glutathione and other anti-oxidants (from organic foods and supplementation) essential to protecting cells. Scores of 3-7 point to excessive damage to the cell membranes, with increasing numbers showing more damage and the need for increased anti-oxidants from diet and supplementation.

After taking an initial test, and making subsequent dietary and lifestyle changes, the Meta-Oxy will indicate the efficacy of your new regime. The magenta color of the test vial will lighten toward the pale magenta color and your number will decrease as your anti-oxidant levels increase.

After taking an initial test, and making subsequent dietary (link to CHD book) and lifestyle changes, the Meta-Oxy will indicate the efficacy of your new regime. The magenta color of the test vial will lighten toward the pale magenta color and your number will decrease as your anti-oxidant levels increase.

Note: If you are taking B-vitamin supplementation that produces very yellow urine, it will alter the magenta color of your test sample. It’s best to skip a dose of your B-vitamins, allow urine to return to a normal color, and then take the test. If you choose not to skip your B-vitamins, however, you will still observe a darkness of color shift.

Can I Take Too Many Anti-oxidants?

Certainly, but it’s difficult to do, especially with our modern diet full of chemicals, pesticides, and additives. In addition to a toxic diet, we are surrounded by chemical toxins in the air, our home and body products, and water supply. The Meta-Oxy Test allows us to observe the effectiveness of our diet and supplementation. It also precautions against taking too many anti-oxidants, in which case the test result would repeatedly be at zero on the scale (a rarity!).

How Do I Optimize My Anti-Oxidant Levels?

The best way to achieve optimal anti-oxidant levels, and thereby excellent cellular health, is through an anti-inflammatory diet, health-promoting lifestyle, and taking high quality supplements as needed. Every second we’re alive, our body’s God-given intelligence makes critical decisions at the cellular level, either for the better or worse. That’s the good news and the bad news. YOU have the power to make decisions to help improve or deteriorate your health. The Meta-Oxy Test provides you with critical information regarding your current state of health, so you are empowered to take it to the next level.

How Do I Take the Meta-Oxy Test & What Should I Do if My Score is High?

Simply collect urine in the cup, and use the pipette to put a small amount of urine in the test vial. Wait 1-3 minutes, then match the test vial color to the provided color chart and take note of your score.

If your score is high, consult with your natural health practitioner who can work with you and suggest the best antioxidant protocol for you. For more information on working with Dr. Pompa or one of his trained health practitioners, see below. Many people will improve their score within a few weeks by taking Systemic Formulas super anti-oxidant ROX, containing resveratrol and molecular signals shown to build, stabilize, and protect cellular function. Others may need to address a deeper cellular issue with the powerful intra-cellular anti-oxidant EPIC, which enhances the cells ability to generate glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase in response to oxidative stress and to act against free radicals. Some people may also need to support the methylation process with MoRS, a superior methylation formula critical for nutritional support of intracellular and epigenetic healing. With the right dietary and supplement protocol, your Meta-Oxy score will improve over time.

My Score is in the “Optimal Range.” Can I celebrate?

Yes! An optimal (0-2) Meta-Oxy Score means that your body is in good health: preventing diseases, regulating hormones, and detoxifying properly. Maintaining excellent cellular health increases the quality and quantity of your years, and the Meta-Oxy Test provides key information to move forward and achieve your best health yet. And remember…

“If you don’t fix the cell, you won’t get well!”
— Dr. Dan Pompa

Additional Information

For more information on working with Dr. Pompa, or one of his trained
health practitioners in your area, please contact his office.