Kynurenic Acid

- 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 Kynurenic Acid 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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Elevations of this Tryptophan metabolite is consistent with vitamin B6 deficiency, possible inflammatory processes from chronic infections, interferon-gamma stimulated macrophages or excessive tryptophan supplementation (not 5HTP).

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

Kynurenate antagonises glutamate receptors and has a preferential affinity for NMDA receptor that governs synaptic plasticity learning and memory. Studies suggest that elevated Kynurenate represent conditions that are seen in schizophrenia, mediated by vitamin B6.

Kynurenate is a biochemical precursor to Quinolinate and found to be simultaneously elevated in inflammatory responses. Because Quinolinate is a powerful agonist of NMDA receptors and Kynurenate antagonises this effect, the relative amount of the two metabolites should relate to neuronal degradation.

Supplementation Recommendations:
Vitamin B6, Mg can help support metabolism of kynurenate.

Research shows that kynurenic acid is low with a low protein diet and in autism spectrum disorder. 

Low kynurenic acid is implicated in depression, headaches, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.

References:

- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0140820

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27904735/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25124710/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29109914/

- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172699

Kynurenic Acid 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.