Tag: Tryptophan metabolism

A rare inherited metabolic disorder, hydroxykynureninuria (a form of xanthurenic aciduria), occurs in less than 1 in 1,000,000 people worldwide and is caused by a genetic enzyme deficiency. Xanthurenic aciduria can also result from a nutritional shortage of a specific, more common, vitamin.

Over 95% of dietary tryptophan is processed through the kynurenine pathway, primarily in the liver. Therefore, it's virtually impossible to completely remove tryptophan from the body, as it's an essential amino acid necessary for vital functions. The goal is not removal, but proper management and avoiding excess intake to rebalance metabolic pathways, especially when excess levels are linked to certain conditions.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid with the lowest reserves in the human body, meaning a deficiency can develop rapidly. Learning how to treat tryptophan deficiency is crucial for supporting the production of vital compounds like serotonin and niacin, which impact mood, sleep, and overall health.

An estimated 1 in 30,000 individuals are affected by Hartnup disease, a rare metabolic disorder. This condition primarily affects the body's ability to absorb and utilize the amino acid tryptophan, which is a crucial precursor to niacin, explaining what vitamin is deficient in Hartnup disease.

Traditionally associated with corn-based diets, pellagra among sorghum-eaters was observed in regions like India’s Deccan Plateau. Understanding what causes pellagra due to the presence of sorghum involves examining a specific amino acid imbalance, a different mechanism from the one found in corn.

Historically, pellagra was widespread in regions where the population's staple diet consisted of unfortified maize, which is notoriously low in both absorbable niacin and its precursor, tryptophan. A severe and prolonged tryptophan deficiency causes pellagra by disrupting the body's internal vitamin B3 synthesis pathway.