Paper chromatography of urinary amino acids. A 30 year survey of dietary influences on the normal pattern, and patients' results

In the clinical laboratory, paper chromatography is still the most useful, simple, inexpensive procedure for initial identification of abnormalities of amino acid excretion. The results of its use for more than 8000 paediatric and adult renal patients is surveyed. Nonspecific generalized aminoaciduria was the most frequent abnormality found, comprising some 70% of abnormal results, with cystine-lysinuria the next most common. The identification of the abnormal excretory pattern of amino acids as distinct from the normal was complicated by the effects of the New Zealand diet. In particular, valine, citrulline, hydroxyproline and glutamic acid are found in considerable amounts as part of the normal pattern. Their dietary origin is discussed. Varying mixtures of monosaccharides and disaccharides occurred in association with a range of amino acid patterns.