In this review, this time in Finnish :), we summarize the current knowledge about the role of indolepropionic acid (IPA), a gut microbiota metabolite of amino acid tryptophan, in metabolic diseases. In population-based cohorts, higher blood IPA has been associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, low-grade inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, overweight and better liver health. In animal models IPA has also been connected to the gut health and nerve regeneration.
Dietary intake of fiber, whole-grain and vegetables are positively associated with IPA in blood and feces whereas intake of meat have had opposite effects, which supports ever-increasing of use of vegetables as a food source of food. IPA may have a central role in beneficial health effects and we surely will hear more about this interesting gut-derived metabolite!
You can read the article from the journal of The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim: https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo18423/
Picture: Aikakauskirja Duodecim 2024