Dietary Tryptophan and the Gut Microbiome: Emerging Approaches to Optimize Intestinal and Systemic Health
Speaker:
Patrick Barko, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
Event date: 6–7 November 2024 Virtual Event
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid for dogs, cats, and humans, is important for maintaining gastrointestinal (GI), systemic, and psychological/behavioral health. The majority (>90%) of dietary tryptophan is absorbed in the small intestine, and some (about 5%) enters the large intestine where the microbiota metabolize it. Interactions between tryptophan and the intestinal microbiota can influence both host health and disease.
In this presentation, Dr. Patrick Barko reviews the primary metabolic pathways by which tryptophan may be metabolized if it is not used for protein synthesis. Although more research in dogs and cats is needed, therapeutic interventions targeting tryptophan metabolism are promising for the treatment of GI, systemic, and behavioral disorders.
Related Content
Microbiome Shifts in Canine and Feline Health and Disease
Shifts in gut microbiota taxa and/or diversity can result in functional changes in the microbiome. Learn why early recognition of microbiome shifts may improve management of patients with GI conditions.
How the Microbiome Alters Drug Metabolism
Many drugs affect the gut microbiome, but how does the gut microbiome influence orally administered medications? Learn about the emerging field of pharmacomicrobiomics.
Day 2 Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks
The speakers who presented lectures during Day 2 of the Purina Institute Microbiome Forum 2024 join Dr. Jan Suchodolski to answer questions submitted by audience members.