The KD has many different actions making it a versatile therapy in seemingly diverse disorders. Epilepsy, the original indication ruled the KD world for almost a century. In the last decade its range has widened to include the cancers and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Another target of its action has been recently been a matter of intense research – the Kynurenines(KYU). KYU is formed by enzymatic oxidation of l- tryptophan and is controlled by B vitamins and minerals. KYU is converted to neuroprotective and neurotoxic compounds. Kyneureinic acid (KYNA) is the neuroprotective fraction.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) reduces glutamate and is also neuroprotective.
KYNA is significantly increased during KD in responders with uncontrolled epilepsy.

More on this novel mechanism of KD action later.

To know more about Kynurenic acid and ketogenic diet, please click on the PDF file below:-