Critical reviews in food science and nutritionJan 8, 2024

Dietary treatment potential based on how indole propionic acid, a tryptophan byproduct, affects metabolic disorders

Gut-Brain Axis Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 18, 2026

Abstract

Tryptophan metabolites, particularly indole propionic acid (IPA), may affect host health and disease.

IPA can activate the immune system through specific receptors, influencing host and microbe interactions.
Different levels of IPA in the bloodstream may predict the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
IPA is associated with the reduction of cognitive impairment caused by oxidative damage and gut inflammation.
It may help inhibit fat accumulation in the liver and improve symptoms of NAFLD.
IPA is suggested to enhance the intestinal barrier and support overall gut health.

Simplified

Tryptophan (TRP) contributes to individual immune homeostasis and good conditionthree complex metabolism pathways (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), kynurenine (KP), and gut microbiota pathway). Indole propionic acid (IPA), one of the TRP derivatives of the microbiota pathway, has raised more attention because of its impact on metabolic disorders. Here, we retrospect increasing evidence that TRP metabolites/IPA derived from its proteolysis impact host health and disease. IPA can activate the immune system through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and/or Pregnane X receptor (PXR) as a vital mediator among diet-caused host and microbe cross-talk. Different levels of IPA in systemic circulation can predict the risk of NAFLD, T2DM, and CVD. IPA is suggested to alleviate cognitive impairment from oxidative damage, reduce gut inflammation, inhibit lipid accumulation and attenuate the symptoms of NAFLD, putatively enhance the intestinal epithelial barrier, and maintain intestinal homeostasis. Now, we provide a general description of the relationships between IPA and various physiological and pathological processes, which support an opportunity for diet intervention for metabolic diseases. via

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Dietary treatment potential based on how indole propionic acid, a tryptophan byproduct, affects metabolic disorders

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