Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA)

IAA is a naturally occurring plant hormone that is also produced by some gut bacteria.

IAA is a precursor to other important metabolites, like IPA.

Low or high levels may indicate a bacterial imbalance, which can lead to symptoms such as GI distress, inflammation, and sleep issues.

Indole-3-Lactic Acid (ILA)

ILA is found in fermented foods and produced by some gut bacteria from tryptophan.

Proper ILA levels are important for the production of other essential metabolites, like IPA.

Low or high levels may indicate a bacterial imbalance, which can lead to symptoms such as GI distress, inflammation, and sleep issues.

Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA)

IPA is a strong neuroprotective antioxidant and a key indicator of a healthy gut microbiome.

IPA plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal permeability.

Low levels of IPA may increase the risk of symptoms of leaky gut including food sensitivities, brain fog, and inflammation.

Kynurenine (KYN)

KYN is made in the liver and plays a critical role in the body’s inflammatory response.

High levels of KYN can indicate chronic infection.

High or low levels of kynurenine can lead to low energy, inflammation, and poor mental clarity.

Serotonin (SER)

Approximately 90% of SER is produced by cells of the gut lining, where bacteria help to regulate and support its production.

SER is linked to mood regulation, muscle health, gut health, brain health, and the ability to fall asleep.

Low levels of SER can lead to constipation and poor sleep quality.

Total Indoxyl Sulfate (IDS)

Proper levels of IDS can have antioxidant properties and have been associated with kidney and heart health.

Elevated IDS may be related to a high protein and low fiber diet, tryptophan supplementation, or a dysbiosis in the small intestine.

When IDS is not within optimal levels it can reflect poor nutrient utilization, lead to irregular digestion, and cause low energy.

Tryptophan (TRP)

TRP is used by the body and gut bacteria to manufacture several important metabolites, including SER and KYN.

TRP helps regulate normal brain processes that affect mood, behavior, sleep, memory, and learning.

Low levels of TRP can disrupt intestinal function and other important regulatory systems.

Tyrosine (TYR)

TYR helps regulate mood, behavior, and general feelings of well-being and is involved in the production of dopamine and motivation.

Sufficient TYR is also essential for the thyroid gland to produce hormones T3 and T4, which regulate growth, metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate.

Uric Acid (UA)

UA affects both the gut and the brain, impacting cellular energy systems, cellular signaling, and DNA and RNA production.

UA has been shown to act as a strong antioxidant and play a role in our immune response.

High UA levels can lead to inflammation and pain.

Xanthine (XAN)

XAN induces hydrochloric acid production and promotes the secretion of pepsin, which aid in digestion.

Elevated XAN can lead to oxidative stress and increase the risk of inflammation.

Elevated XAN may be the result of caffeine intake, cardiovascular overtraining, and/or physical and emotional stress.

3-Methylxanthine (3MX)

3MX increases hydrochloric acid and pepsin secretion, which both aid digestion.

Elevated levels may be related to the consumption of caffeinated beverages and foods like coffee, tea, and chocolate.

High 3MX levels can lead to uncomfortable digestion, poor sleep, and reduced mental clarity.