Elevated Homovanillic Acid

An increased concentration of homovanillic acid (the primary dopamine metabolite) in urine above the reference range (~1.6-7.5 mg/24 hours).

Causes

• Catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors

  • Neuroblastoma

  • Pheochromocytoma

  • Paraganglioma

• Physiologic and stress-related causes

  • Chronic stress

  • Increased sympathetic nervous system activity

• Dietary factors

  • Banana

  • Tomato

  • Onion

  • Tea

  • Quercetin supplements

  • Copper deficiency

  • Vitamin C deficiency

• Medications and supplements

  • Levodopa

  • DL-phenylalanine

  • L-tyrosine

  • Caffeine

  • Amphetamines

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

• Environmental/toxic exposures

  • Lead toxicity

  • Manganese toxicity