Indican (3-Hydroxy Indole) Test
Dr. Weyrich's Naturopathic Functional Medicine Notebook
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Test Overview
Screening test for gut dysbiosis.Test Indications
- New patients.
Sample Collection
- Requires random urine sample.
Your doctor or lab may have different instructions that supersede the above.
Theory
Dysbiotic anaerobic bacteria in the gut convert the amino acid tryptophan into indole. The indole is absorbed from the gut and processed in the liver via phase 1 into 3-hydroxy indole, and then via the phase 2 glucuronidation pathway into indole glucuronidate, which is excreted by the kidneys.Elevated levels of indican suggest:
- Putrification of maldigested or malabsorbed protein, possibly due to hypochlorhydria.
- Bowel toxemia due to overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria (dysbiosis), possibly leading to candidiasis and leaky gut syndrome.
- High protein intake or tryptophan supplementation.
References
Unless specifically noted above, references used in the construction of this web page include the following:[FDM] Lecture notes from Functional Medicine University.
[SCNM] Lecture notes from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
[UT] Lecture notes from the University of Tennessee graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Copyright © 2007-2010 Dr. Weyrich. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a health concern or medical condition, consult a licensed healthcare provider. Dr. Weyrich is licensed by the State of Arizona to practice medicine (license number 07-1008).
This web page is http://www.DrWeyrich.com/labs/indican.html - Phone Dr. Weyrich at (480) 423-6952