Longevity & AgingHow the Kynurenine to Tryptophan Ratio Shapes How You Age
The kynurenine/tryptophan (KTR) ratio is a blood-measurable biomarker reflecting how the body metabolizes the amino acid tryptophan. As we age, tryptophan increasingly converts to kynurenine rather than serotonin or other beneficial compounds, driven largely by chronic inflammation and immune activation. A high KTR signals accelerated aging, increased inflammation, and impaired cellular function. Mike Lustgarten explores how optimizing this ratio may oppose multiple age-related biological changes simultaneously. This matters because KTR connects inflammation, immune aging, gut health, and metabolic function in one measurable marker. Viewers are likely shown data on how diet, lifestyle, or specific interventions influence KTR, making this highly actionable for anyone tracking biological age and seeking to reduce their inflammatory burden.
