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The Kynurenine Pathway

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In functional medicine, the focus is on getting to the root cause of disease. Sometimes subtle nutritional insufficiencies can result in significant clinical consequences. By measuring steps in biochemical pathways called organic acids, we can uncover nutrient cofactor needs. One important biochemical process is the kynurenine pathway. The enzymes involved are highly dependent on vitamin B₆. Knowing this, abnormal organic acid levels within the kynurenine path can reveal vitamin B₆ insufficiencies. In addition, this pathway and its metabolites have important clinical implications.

In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of the kynurenine pathway, what each step means, how we measure them, and what you can do about it.

Today on the Lab Report:

  • 2:35 The kynurenine pathway starts with tryptophan
  • 5:15 What’s the end product and what drives this metabolism?
  • 9:20 Kynurenic acid and NMDA receptors
  • 11:30 Xanthurenic acid elevations
  • 12:15 Quinolinic acid and why we worry about it
  • 13:35 Ratio between KA and QA
  • 14:35 Logical Speculation: Serotonin Tryptophan Steal
  • 18:35 How and where we measure these organic acids
  • 19:25 Question of the Day
    • What about serotonin metabolites?

Additional Resources:

NutrEval

Metabolomix+

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Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

 

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