Tryptophan's Three Pathways: How Your Body Uses This Essential Amino Acid
What Are the Three Major Ways Your Body Processes Tryptophan?
Your body processes tryptophan through three distinct metabolic pathways: the kynurenine pathway (which handles over 95% of tryptophan), the serotonin pathway (producing the mood neurotransmitter), and the indole pathway (involving gut bacteria). Each pathway produces different bioactive compounds that regulate inflammation, immune responses, neurological function, and metabolism - and disruptions in these pathways are linked to various diseases including cancer, depression, and autoimmune disorders.