Kynurenic acid is a metabolite produced in the kynurenine pathway during the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan. It acts as a neuroprotective agent in the nervous system and is a focus of neurological and psychiatric research. Imbalances in kynurenic acid levels have been linked to disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.
Testing kynurenic acid levels can be beneficial for individuals with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, or major depressive disorder. It may also be useful in research settings to better understand these disorders.
Factors impacting kynurenic acid levels include:
Regulating kynurenic acid levels typically involves a holistic approach, focusing on overall health and well-being: