The Kynurenine Pathway

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+ Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report 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. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.