Kynurenate (Male)

- A high reading of this by-product of the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan is consistent with a vitamin B6 deficiency, possible inflammatory processes, interferon-gamma stimulated macrophages or excessive tryptophan supplementation (not 5-HTP).

- Abnormally high levels can cause and increase in pain sensations and may, in multiple sclerosis patients, be a marker for an exacerbation period.

- Vitamin B6 deficiency may also result in elevated concentrations of homocysteine in blood, which leads to increased risk of heart disease.

- High levels of kynurenate can have direct effects on brain function in addition to showing a need for vitamin B6.

- High values in individuals with the yeast overgrowth syndrome may be due to yeast interference.

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Kynurenate is a product of tryptophan metabolism and can elevate if there is a B6 deficiency, chronic stress, higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation and possibly Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram negative bacteria in the gut (such as with leaky gut).

It may also elevate when patients are on a ketogenic diet. Foods, including white potatoes, bee products (honey, propolis, etc), fresh broccoli, basil and thyme will also elevate this marker.

Elevated levels have also been found in schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, cluster headaches (= excruciating attacks of pain in one side of the head, often felt around the eye), chronic migraines and psychosis (= a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality).

While there is always some tryptophan going down the kynurenine pathway towards NAD (and possibly xanthurenate), this process is up regulated by inflammation, estrogen elevations and high cortisol. If levels of estrogen or cortisol are high, it may exacerbate xanthurenate and kynurenate elevations and increase the need for B6.

→ Although kynurenate can be helpful in the body, as it can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and has some anti-ulcer properties, its influence is dependent on dose and length of exposure.

→ Too much kynurenate can decrease glutamate but can also inhibit alpha-y-nicotinic acetylcholine, leading to less acetylcholine and likely less dopamine.

→ When levels are elevated, make sure to rule out any underlying inflammation and lower inflammation first and foremost.

→ Consider support of this pathway with vitamin B6, especially if xanthurenate is also elevated, in addition to antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, ALA, magnesium and taurine. Other support includes considering huperzine A or the medication of choice is Galantamine.

Kynurenate is product of the metabolism of L-Tryptophan and appears in urine in Vitamin B6 deficiencies. Your body needs vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to utilize amino acids derived from dietary protein. Inadequate vitamin B6 is one factor that leads to increased concentrations of kynurenate and xanthurenate in urine. These products of amino acid breakdown cannot be further metabolized in the absence of vitamin B6.