Non-invasive semi-quantitative dipstick tests intended
to measure selective physiological parameters in individuals involved in weight
loss, sport and training programmes
More than 1.6 billion people in the world are either
overweight or obese, according to a recent study by the World Health
Organization. People are considered overweight if their body mass index (BMI)
is 25 or higher and obese with a BMI or 30 or higher.
RANK
|
COUNTRY
|
% OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE
|
1
|
Nauru
|
94.5
|
2
|
Micronesia
|
91.1
|
3
|
Cook
Islands
|
90.9
|
4
|
Tonga
|
90.8
|
5
|
Niue
|
81.7
|
6
|
Samoa
|
80.4
|
7
|
Palau
|
78.4
|
8
|
Kuwait
|
74.2
|
9
|
USA
|
74.1
|
10
|
Kiribati
|
73.6
|
11
|
Dominica
|
71
|
12
|
Barbados
|
69.7
|
13
|
Argentina
|
69.4
|
14
|
Egypt
|
69.4
|
15
|
Malta
|
68.7
|
16
|
Greece
|
68.5
|
17
|
New
Zealand
|
68.4
|
18
|
United
Arab Emirates
|
68.3
|
19
|
Mexico
|
68.1
|
20
|
Trinidad
and Tobago
|
67.9
|
Excess intake of carbohydrates results in fat storage. Simple
carbohydrates, such as sugar and white flour, rapidly spike insulin levels,
thereby accelerating the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. Through low
carbohydrate diet the body’s carbohydrate intake is restricted altogether, and
is forced to rely on its fat stores for energy. During diet and exercise the
body breaks down stored fat for fuel and hence the weight loss process begins.
It is during this fat-burning process that ketone bodies are produced and
excreted in the urine. Ketones are metabolic by-products of fat metabolism.
A newly developed urinary dipstick test with selective
parameters can accurately detect certain physiological parameters in the urine
and be a great aid for people who want to monitor their weight loss or diet
progress.
Test results
The test is performed by dipping a chemically impregnated
dipstick into a urine sample or by urinating directly onto the dipstick.
If acetoacetic acid and/or b-hydroxybutyrate is present in the
urine, even in trace quantities, a purple colour reaction will develop on the
dipstick. This colour is measured against a colour chart after 30-60 seconds.
Any purple colour development on the test strip is indicative of a positive
reaction – i.e. ketones are present and therefore fat-metabolism is taking
place. If no purple colour is present then no ketosis is taking place and the
body is using glucose for fuel (glucolysis – converting glucose into pyruvate).
Appropriate action can then be taken (i.e. decrease carbohydrate intake,
increase exercise, etc)
Similarly,
the test also contains a chemically impregnated area which measures the specific
gravity (hydration status) of the individual. The colour is measured against a colour
chart after 30-60 seconds. A dark blue/green reaction indicates that the individual
is well hydrated, whilst lighter green/yellow colours indicate that the individual
could be dehydrated. Appropriate action can then be taken if necessary.
Chemistry behind the test
Ketones
The liver is considered the major source of ketone bodies (KB)
in humans. Ketone bodies are three water-soluble compounds that are produced as
by-products when fatty acids are broken down for energy in the liver and
kidney. They are used as a source of energy in the heart and brain. In the
brain, they are a vital source of energy during fasting. Although termed
"bodies", they are dissolved substances, not particles. The three
endogenous ketone bodies are acetone, acetoacetic acid, and betahydroxybutyric acid.
Ketone bodies can be used for energy. Ketone bodies are
transported from the liver to other tissues, such as muscle, where acetoacetate
and beta-hydroxybutyrate can be reconverted to acetyl-CoA to produce energy,
via the citric acid cycle. As with muscles, the brain gets its energy from
ketone bodies when glucose is less available (e.g., when fasting). In the event
of low blood glucose, most other tissues have additional energy sources besides
ketone bodies (such as fatty acids), but the brain does not. After the diet has
been changed to lower blood glucose for 3 days, the brain gets 30% of its
energy from ketone bodies. After about 40 days, this goes up to 70%.
Ketone bodies are produced from acetyl-CoA mainly in the
mitochondrial matrix of hepatocytes when carbohydrates are so scarce that
energy must be obtained from breaking down fatty acids. Because of the high
level of acetyl CoA present in the cell, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is
inhibited, whereas pyruvate carboxylase becomes activated. Thus, the
oxaloacetate produced will enter gluconeogenesis rather than the citric acid
cycle, as the latter is also inhibited by the elevated level of NADH resulting
from ß-oxidation of fatty acids. The excess acetyl- CoA is therefore rerouted
to ketogenesis. Such a state in humans is referred to as the fasted state.
Acetone is produced by spontaneous decarboxylation of
acetoacetate, yielding levels of acetone much lower than those of other ketone
bodies. Acetone cannot be converted back to acetyl-CoA; it is instead
metabolized (e.g., converted to glucose via pyruvate, excreted in the urine, or
(as a consequence of its high vapor pressure) exhaled. Acetone is responsible
for the characteristic "fruity" odour of the breath of persons in
ketoacidosis.
Any production of these compounds is called ketogenesis, and
this is necessary in small amounts. However, when excess ketone bodies
accumulate, this abnormal (but not harmful) state is called ketosis. Until
recently, ketosis could be quantified by sampling the
patient's exhaled air, and testing for acetone by gas
chromatography.
Specific gravity (SG)
A study conducted at the University of Washington found that
drinking one glass of
water eliminated midnight hunger pangs in 98 percent of the
subjects, thus decreasing caloric intake from midnight snacks. Water may also
cause an increase in energy, allowing one to be sustained in-between meals or
to push harder through workouts. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism published a study in 2003 examining the thermogenic effect of water.
Researchers led by Michael Boschmann found that consuming 2 glasses of water
caused a 30 percent increase in metabolism, mostly attributable to the body
warming the water to body temperature.
Proper hydration has long been regarded as an essential key to
weight loss, but the ideal amount that one should consume is often in debate.
Because water is inexpensive and easier to come by than many other weight loss
methods, however, any reasons that suggest it may aid in weight loss are not
taken lightly by those struggling to maintain an optimal weight. Various
explanations exist for why hydration is so important. It is widely recognised
that maintaining proper hydration is essential in all individuals who are
involved in weight loss.
Solution
Now, a newly developed advanced 4th generation urine
dipstick test can be employed as a very accurate marker of fat metabolism
(burning fat) and hydration. This product, which incorporates molecular
principles for the first time, detects the major ketone bodies
b-hydroxybuterate and acetoacetic acid in urine, and can thus be used as a
measuring tool for adherence to low-carbohydrate diet, or to verify the efficacy
of an exercise programme in conjunction with diet. At the same time, it is an invaluable
tool helping the individual to monitor and maintain optimal hydration through
measuring the specific gravity of the urine, an essential component of any serious
weight loss programme.
Indications and contraindications
The product is primarily indicated for individuals who want to
monitor weight loss over a period of time. The test is done by regularly
testing urine for the presence or absence of ketones and measuring the
hydration status of the body. The product is not indicated for individuals who
are anorexic or have tendencies towards anorexia or bulimia, individuals who
are recovering from eating disorders and other gastrointestinal diseases or
metabolic conditions. The product should not be used to diagnose any condition
or illness and should not be used by children. It is advisable that the product
be used when the individual is following a controlled weight loss programme
backed by a low-carbohydrate diet.
Packaging
Presentation
can be varied and may include the following options:
a. A plastic
can with 25 strips;
b.
Individually foil sealed strips, sold individually or in packs of 10’s, 20s etc
c. Any other over-the-counter (OTC) packaging.
The product is
supplied with an instruction sheet. It can be decided by the buyer what level
of information is provided, and preferably users should be guided to a website
with more details. This product is offered with a 2-year shelf life when stored
at room temperature. The product should not be refrigerated and should be kept
away from direct sunlight.
Potential End Users
Overweight
persons (on diet and/or training)
Obese
persons (on diet and/or training)
Underweight
individuals who want to add weight
Dieticians
Weight
watchers (and similar programmes)
Other
SPORTS APPLICATIONS
A similar type
urine dipstick test with specific appplication for application in sport has
been developed. We are actively seeking interested parties to contact us for
distribution, marketing, licensing, and invesment.
Contact
Louis Roux
Managing Director
Tel: +27 21 788 6989
Fax: +27 21 788 6983
Cell: +27 83 267 2067
Life Assay Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd
Trojan House, Gateway Close
Capricorn Business &
Technology Park
7945 Cape Town, South Africa
