New Profile Now Available: Xanthurenic and Kynurenic Acids
Now Testing: Xanthurenic Acid (XANA) & Kynurenic Acid (KYNA)
New metabolite markers on MVL urine profiles—linking tryptophan metabolism to inflammation, B-vitamin status, detox, and chronic disease risk.
Meridian Valley Lab now includes Xanthurenic Acid (XANA) and Kynurenic Acid (KYNA) on select urine profiles. Both are produced along the Kynurenine Pathway of tryptophan metabolism and offer clinicians fresh insight into B-vitamin sufficiency (notably B6 and B2), inflammatory tone, hormone detox dynamics (e.g., COMT-related traffic), and cardio-metabolic and neuro-immune risk patterns.
“XANA + KYNA help translate tryptophan metabolism into clinical action—bridging mood, immunity, glucose regulation, and detox pathways in one sample.”
Important Notes on Interpretation
Markers, not diagnoses: MVL reports urinary metabolite markers that inform physiology. They are decision aids to be interpreted by licensed clinicians alongside history, exam, and other labs.
Collection method matters (24-hour vs. dried urine), as values reflect integrated metabolism across the collection window rather than a single serum time-point.
Why Test XANA & KYNA?
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- B-vitamin status: Elevations can flag functional B6 need (XANA) and B2/FAD demand (KYNA-related enzymes).
- Inflammation & immunity: Kynurenine flux is inducible by inflammatory signals; KYNA relates to IL-6–linked neuro-immune signaling.
- Detox & hormones: COMT and Phase II traffic interact with aromatic amines and catechol estrogens; patterns can contextualize “slow detox” complaints.
- Cardio-metabolic risk: XANA has literature links with insulin resistance/beta-cell stress; patterning can complement glycemic profiles.
What Do These Markers Reveal?
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| Marker | Health Insight |
|---|---|
| Xanthurenic Acid (XANA) | Often elevated in mild/functional vitamin B6 deficiency; research associations with insulin resistance, beta-cell injury, and cardiovascular disease. |
| Kynurenic Acid (KYNA) | Neuroactive; influences neuro-inflammation, memory, and autoimmunity pathways (e.g., IL-6 modulation); reflects broader kynurenine flux and B2-dependent steps. |
Together, XANA + KYNA enrich context beyond standard B-vitamin panels or single inflammatory markers.
Understanding the Kynurenine Pathway
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- Tryptophan is largely metabolized via the kynurenine pathway → yields NAD⁺, neuroactive metabolites, and niacin (B3).
- Inflammation (e.g., via IDO/TDO activation) accelerates flux; extra-hepatic tissues may lack downstream enzymes, producing imbalances in XANA/KYNA.
- Low levels of both may suggest liver dysfunction, severe B6 deficiency, or tryptophan depletion (dietary or inflammatory consumption).
Now Available in the Following MVL Profiles
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| Code | Profile Name | Sample Type |
|---|---|---|
| 4100 | Comprehensive ULTIMATE | 24-Hour Urine |
| 4009 | ComprehensivePLUS w/ Oxytocin | 24-Hour Urine |
| 4090 | ComprehensivePLUS w/ Melatonin | 24-Hour Urine |
| 4078 | ComprehensivePLUS w/ hGH | 24-Hour Urine |
| 4080 | ComprehensivePLUS | 24-Hour Urine |
| 4990 | CompletePLUS | Dried Urine |
| 4992 | Complete Profile | Dried Urine |
| 4470 | Xanthurenic & Kynurenic Acids Only | 24-Hour Urine |
| 4970 | Xanthurenic & Kynurenic Acids Only | Dried Urine |
Note: Dried vs. 24-hour collections have different reference dynamics; interpret longitudinally using the same method when possible.
How Clinicians Use These Results
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- Nutrient targeting: Adjust B6, B2, B12, and folate as indicated by patterns and co-markers.
- Detox context: Integrate with estrogen metabolite review, COMT-related symptoms, and methylation support.
- Metabolic risk: Pair with glycemic indices (e.g., Kraft Prediabetes/Glycemic Stress Index) to contextualize insulin dynamics.
- Mood & neuro-immune: Consider KYNA trends alongside sleep, stress, and inflammatory history.
Add Insight to Every Patient Profile
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With XANA and KYNA, you can assess inflammation, detox pathways, mood, blood sugar, and cardiovascular risk—in one sample. Use results to guide targeted support with B-vitamins and complementary interventions tailored to current needs.
Practitioners: Contact Client Services for ordering, kit availability, and interpretation consults.
Patients: Speak with your licensed provider about whether these metabolites fit your testing plan. Meridian Valley Lab provides laboratory services only and cannot advise patients directly.
