Personal
Professional
Research
Personal Professional Research Sign Up Login Pro Login
Research Kynurenic / Quinolinic Ratio
Metabolic Analysis Markers (Urine)

Kynurenic / Quinolinic Ratio

Optimal Result: 0.44 - 5 Ratio.

Kynurenic Acid to Quinolinic Acid Ratio: Understanding Its Health Implications

The Kynurenic Acid to Quinolinic Acid (KA/QA) ratio is a critical biomarker in tryptophan metabolism, providing valuable insights into neurological health and inflammation. This ratio compares levels of two key metabolites:

  1. Kynurenic Acid (KA): A neuroprotective compound
  2. Quinolinic Acid (QA): A potentially neurotoxic substance

Clinical Significance

Healthcare providers utilize the KA/QA ratio to:

  • Assess neuroinflammation
  • Evaluate metabolic dysfunction
  • Guide treatment strategies for neurological conditions

A higher KA/QA ratio is generally considered beneficial, indicating a shift towards neuroprotection. Conversely, a lower ratio may suggest increased neurotoxicity and inflammation.

Health Implications

  1. Neurological Health: A higher KA/QA ratio is associated with better white matter integrity in the brain and may contribute to cognitive resilience.
  2. Mental Health: A reduced KA/QA ratio has been observed in both currently depressed and remitted patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls.
  3. Inflammation: The KA/QA ratio is influenced by inflammatory processes, with higher inflammation potentially leading to increased QA production.
  4. Excitotoxicity: A lower KA/QA ratio may indicate higher excitotoxic potential, particularly relevant in conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.

Improving Your KA/QA Ratio

To maintain a healthy KA/QA balance:

  1. Manage stress levels: Chronic stress can elevate inflammatory cytokines that drive quinolinic acid production.
  2. Maintain a balanced diet: Focus on foods rich in tryptophan and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
  3. Consider vitamin B6 supplementation: Under medical supervision, as B6 supports proper kynurenine metabolism.
  4. Address underlying inflammation: Through lifestyle changes and targeted interventions.
  5. Regular exercise: Aerobic exercise may help increase KYNA levels and reduce QA.

Conclusion

Understanding your KA/QA ratio can provide valuable insights into your neurological and overall health. While a high ratio is generally considered beneficial, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized interpretation of your results and appropriate interventions.

References:

1. Agudelo LZ, Femenía T, Orhan F, et al. Skeletal muscle PGC-1α1 modulates kynurenine metabolism and mediates resilience to stress-induced depression. Cell. 2014;159(1):33-45. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2014.07.051

2. Agus A, Planchais J, Sokol H. Gut Microbiota Regulation of Tryptophan Metabolism in Health and Disease. Cell Host Microbe. 2018;23(6):716-724. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2018.05.003

3. Badawy AA. Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism: Regulatory and Functional Aspects. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2017;10:1178646917691938. doi:10.1177/1178646917691938

4. Cervenka I, Agudelo LZ, Ruas JL. Kynurenines: Tryptophan's metabolites in exercise, inflammation, and mental health. Science. 2017;357(6349):eaaf9794. doi:10.1126/science.aaf9794

5. Guillemin GJ. Quinolinic acid, the inescapable neurotoxin. FEBS J. 2012;279(8):1356-1365. doi:10.1111/j.1742-4658.2012.08485.x

6. Lovelace MD, Varney B, Sundaram G, et al. Recent evidence for an expanded role of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in neurological diseases. Neuropharmacology. 2017;112(Pt B):373-388. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.024

7. Lugo-Huitrón R, et al. Kynurenines as modulators of synaptic function: implications for neurodegenerative disorders. Neuropharmacology. 2017;112(Pt B):292-304.

8. Maddison DC, Giorgini F. The kynurenine pathway and neurodegenerative disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015;40:134-141. doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.03.002

9. Majewski M, Kozlowska A, Thoene M, Lepiarczyk E, Grzegorzewski WJ. Overview of the role of vitamins and minerals on the kynurenine pathway in health and disease. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2016;67(1):3-19.

10. Myint AM, Kim YK. Network beyond IDO in psychiatric disorders: revisiting neurodegeneration hypothesis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2014;48:304-313. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.08.008

11. O'Farrell K, Harkin A. Stress-related regulation of the kynurenine pathway: Relevance to neuropsychiatric and degenerative disorders. Neuropharmacology. 2017;112(Pt B):307-323. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.004

12. Reyes Ocampo J, Lugo Huitrón R, González-Esquivel D, et al. Kynurenines with neuroactive and redox properties: relevance to aging and brain diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:646909. doi:10.1155/2014/646909

13. Savitz J. The kynurenine pathway: a finger in every pie. Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(1):131-147. doi:10.1038/s41380-019-0414-4

14. Savitz J, Drevets WC, Wurfel BE, et al. Reduction of kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio in both the depressed and remitted phases of major depressive disorder. Brain Behav Immun. 2015;46:55-59. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2015.02.007

15. Schwarcz R, Bruno JP, Muchowski PJ, Wu HQ. Kynurenines in the mammalian brain: when physiology meets pathology. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012;13(7):465-477. doi:10.1038/nrn3257

16. Sorgdrager FJH, Naudé PJW, Kema IP, Nollen EA, Deyn PP. Tryptophan Metabolism in Inflammaging: From Biomarker to Therapeutic Target. Front Immunol. 2019;10:2565. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.02565

17. Strasser B, Becker K, Fuchs D, Gostner JM. Kynurenine pathway metabolism and immune activation: Peripheral measurements in psychiatric and co-morbid conditions. Neuropharmacology. 2017;112(Pt B):286-296. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.030

18. Strasser B, Geiger D, Schauer M, et al. Probiotic Supplements Beneficially Affect Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism and Reduce the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):752. doi:10.3390/nu8110752

19. Yamada A, Akimoto H, Kagawa S, Guillemin GJ, Takikawa O. Proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ increases induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in monocytic cells primed with amyloid β peptide 1-42: implications for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem. 2009;110(3):791-800. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06175.x

What does it mean if your Kynurenic / Quinolinic Ratio result is too high?

High KYNA/QA Ratio: Understanding the Benefits

A high Kynurenic Acid (KYNA) to Quinolinic Acid (QA) ratio (K/Q ratio) is generally considered beneficial, contrary to some misconceptions. This balance suggests a shift in tryptophan metabolism towards a more neuroprotective state.

Benefits of a High K/Q Ratio

  1. Enhanced Neuroprotection
    • KYNA acts as an endogenous neuroprotective agent .
    • Higher levels of KYNA relative to QA may help protect against neurotoxicity and excitotoxicity .
  2. Improved Brain Health
    • Associated with better white matter integrity in the brain .
    • May contribute to cognitive resilience and neuroplasticity .
  3. Potential Factors Contributing to a High K/Q Ratio
    • Vitamin B6 supplementation, which supports KYNA synthesis .
    • Reduced QA synthesis, often associated with lower inflammation .

Common Misunderstandings

It's crucial to differentiate between various metabolic ratios in the kynurenine pathway:

  1. K/Q Ratio (KYNA/QA)
    • A high ratio is generally beneficial.
    • Indicates a balance favoring neuroprotection over neurotoxicity.
  2. QA/5-HIAA Ratio
    • Often confused with the K/Q ratio.
    • A high QA/5-HIAA ratio may indicate immune overstimulation or other health issues .
    • This ratio reflects the balance between the kynurenine pathway and serotonin synthesis.

Implications for Health

Understanding the K/Q ratio can provide insights into:

  • Neuroinflammatory status
  • Potential risk for neurodegenerative conditions
  • Overall balance of the kynurenine pathway

Conclusion

While a high K/Q ratio is generally positive, it's essential to consider it in the context of overall health and other biomarkers. Optimal levels may vary between individuals, and interpretation should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional.

What does it mean if your Kynurenic / Quinolinic Ratio result is too low?

Understanding and Improving the Kynurenic Acid to Quinolinic Acid Ratio (K/Q Ratio)

A low Kynurenic Acid (KYNA) to Quinolinic Acid (QA) ratio (K/Q ratio) indicates a shift in tryptophan metabolism towards a more neurotoxic and inflammatory state. This imbalance is often associated with neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and disorders such as depression, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic infections.

Approach to Improving a Low K/Q Ratio

The goal is to increase KYNA levels (which has neuroprotective effects) while reducing QA levels (which contributes to neurotoxicity and inflammation). It's important to note that individual responses may vary, and a personalized approach under the guidance of a healthcare professional is recommended.

1. Support Tryptophan Metabolism Towards KYNA Production

  • Niacin (Vitamin B3) (500–1000 mg/day)
    • Helps divert tryptophan metabolism away from quinolinic acid production .
    • Supports NAD+ synthesis, which reduces oxidative stress.
  • Vitamin B6 (P5P form) (25–50 mg/day)
    • Required for proper kynurenine metabolism .
    • Deficiency can push metabolism toward QA.
  • Magnesium (200–400 mg/day)
    • Supports enzymatic balance in the kynurenine pathway .
    • Reduces excitotoxicity by blocking NMDA receptors.
  • Zinc (15–30 mg/day)
    • Regulates inflammation and inhibits the enzyme IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase), which pushes tryptophan toward QA production .

2. Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

  • Antioxidants
    • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (600–1200 mg/day) – boosts glutathione and reduces oxidative stress .
    • Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) (300–600 mg/day) – supports mitochondrial health and reduces QA formation .
    • Resveratrol (100–300 mg/day) – anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective .
    • Curcumin (500–1000 mg/day) – reduces neuroinflammation by modulating NF-kB and cytokines .
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
    • (1000–2000 mg/day) – reduces inflammation and improves neuroprotection .
  • Green Tea (EGCG)
    • Helps inhibit neuroinflammation and reduces oxidative stress .

3. Modulate the Immune System

  • Reduce Chronic Infections
    • Infections can activate IDO, driving tryptophan metabolism toward quinolinic acid .
    • Address underlying bacterial (e.g., Lyme disease), viral (e.g., EBV), or fungal infections.
  • Control Autoimmunity & Gut Health
    • Probiotics and Prebiotics – Support gut health, as microbiome imbalances can affect tryptophan metabolism .
    • Low-inflammatory Diet – Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and inflammatory triggers.

4. Balance Neurotransmitters

  • L-Theanine (100–200 mg/day) – Promotes relaxation by modulating glutamate .
  • GABA-supporting supplements (e.g., magnesium, taurine) – Help counter excitotoxicity.
  • 5-HTP or Tryptophan Supplements (if serotonin is low) – Should be used cautiously to avoid excess conversion to QA.

5. Lifestyle Interventions

  • Manage Stress – Chronic stress elevates inflammatory cytokines that drive quinolinic acid production .
  • Improve Sleep Quality – Poor sleep can worsen neuroinflammation .
  • Exercise – Regular aerobic exercise increases KYNA levels and reduces QA .

Precautions and Considerations

  • Supplement Interactions: Some supplements may interact with medications or each other. For example, NAC can interact with certain blood pressure medications, and high-dose niacin may affect blood sugar levels .
  • Individual Variability: Response to these interventions can vary based on genetics, overall health status, and other factors. Regular monitoring and adjustments may be necessary.
  • Underlying Conditions: If the K/Q imbalance is related to chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, or neurodegenerative diseases, addressing these underlying issues is crucial.

Final Thoughts

A low K/Q ratio is typically driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. The approach focuses on reducing neurotoxicity (QA) and enhancing neuroprotection (KYNA) through targeted nutrients, anti-inflammatory support, and lifestyle modifications. If the imbalance is severe or linked to a specific condition, working with a functional medicine practitioner can help tailor interventions further and ensure safe implementation of any supplement regimen.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.

Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.

With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.

For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.

It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.

There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."

Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.

For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.

We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.

Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.

Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.

For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.

Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.

Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.

The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.

For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.

You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.

Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.

Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.

We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.

1. Graph View:

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.

2. All Tests View

Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.

3. Table View:

For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.

Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.

Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.

Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.

Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.

A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.

The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.

To learn more about Healthmatters Pro, please refer to the professional page.

Yes, you can! Simply go to the "Invite Doctor" section, enter your doctor’s email address, and send the invitation. Your doctor will receive an email with secure access to view your results. You can revoke this access at any time. All shared information is securely encrypted and protected for your privacy.
Yes, you can! Go to the Graph view or Spreadsheet view. In the top-right corner, click "Export to Excel," and the file will be downloaded to your device.

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

Navigate to Metabolic Analysis Markers (Urine)

Popular search

2-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, 3-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid, 3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid, 3-Methyl-4-OH-phenylglycol, 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, 5-OH-indoleacetic Acid, a-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid (from MTBE), a-Keto-b-Methylvaleric Acid, a-Ketoadipic Acid, a-Ketoglutaric Acid (AKG), a-Ketoisocaproic Acid, a-Ketoisovaleric Acid, a-Ketophenylacetic Acid (from Styrene), Adipic Acid, Arabinose, B-OH-B-Methylglutaric Acid (HMG), Benzoic Acid, Beta-OH-Butyric Acid (BHBA), Cis-Aconitic Acid, Citramalic Acid, Citric Acid, Dihydroxyphenylpropionic Acid (DHPPA), Formiminoglutamic Acid (FIGlu), Glutaric Acid, Hippuric Acid, Homogentisic Acid, Homovanillic Acid, Indoleacetic Acid (IAA), Isocitric Acid, Isovalerylglycine, Kynurenic / Quinolinic Ratio, Kynurenic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Methylmalonic Acid, Orotic Acid, Phenylacetic Acid (PAA), Pyroglutamic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Quinolinic Acid, Suberic Acid, Succinic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Vanilmandelic Acid, Xanthurenic Acid