A Microbial Metabolite That Reflects Gut Health

Among the many metabolites produced by the gut microbiota, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) stands out for its wide-ranging health relevance. Made exclusively by certain gut bacteria from dietary tryptophan, IPA represents one of the clearest examples of how the microbiome can influence human physiology – not just locally in the gut, but throughout the body.

Scientific research has linked higher levels of IPA with a variety of health-supporting effects. These include strengthening the gut lining, supporting balanced immune responses, aiding blood sugar regulation, and even influencing brain and liver function. While the mechanisms are complex, what’s clear is this: IPA reflects a pattern of microbial activity that supports long-term metabolic and immune balance.

What makes IPA meaningful to track?

Gut Health & Barrier Function: IPA helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, limiting the passage of unwanted bacterial components (like LPS) into the bloodstream and helping to reduce signals of immune stress.
Immune Activation: Studies have shown that people with higher IPA levels tend to have lower indicators of persistent immune stress and activation.
Metabolic Balance: Higher IPA levels have been associated with favorable blood sugar balance and support for overall energy metabolism.
Neuroprotection & Cognitive Health: IPA may influence the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and helping protect cells from oxidative stress, with emerging evidence of its role in maintaining cognitive function.
Liver & Muscle Support: In experimental studies, IPA has shown promise in supporting fat metabolism in the liver and contributing to muscle function.
Bone Health: Recent studies suggest IPA contributes to bone strength by supporting balanced bone turnover and immune signaling. .
Longevity & Healthy Aging: IPA is consistently associated with markers of resilience and vitality across organ systems, supporting longevity through its combined antioxidant, barrier-protective, and immune-balancing effects.

These associations do not imply diagnosis or treatment, but they highlight IPA as a meaningful marker of microbial function that can be shaped through diet and lifestyle - especially fiber intake.

Why include IPA in our Gut Health Test?

Measuring IPA offers a unique window into the activity of the gut microbiota – especially its ability to convert tryptophan into health-supportive compounds. By tracking IPA levels and related ratios (e.g., IPA/TRP, IPA/KYN), we gain insight into the balance between microbial metabolism and stress-related host metabolism.

This test is not meant to be diagnostic. Rather, it provides a snapshot of gut microbial function and how it may be supporting your metabolic and immune balance. Because IPA levels can respond to diet, and especially fiber and polyphenol intake, tracking its levels can help individuals see how dietary choices shape their internal environment over time.

Quick summary

IPA is made exclusively by gut microbes and supports gut integrity, immune balance, and metabolic resilience.
High IPA levels reflect a balanced, well-fed microbiome and greater systemic resilience.
IPA is a powerful indicator of how well your gut health is supporting whole body health.

ZinoShine+	0 7	/times per week
Xtend/Xtend+	0 7	/times per week
BalanceOil+/Vegan/AquaX	0 7	/times per week
Protect+	0 7	/times per week
Essent+ (softgels)	0 7	/times per week
From another supplier - /times per week	0 7	/times per week

ZinoShine+	0 7	/times per week
Xtend/Xtend+	0 7	/times per week
BalanceOil+/Vegan/AquaX	0 7	/times per week
Protect+	0 7	/times per week
Essent+ (softgels)	0 7	/times per week
From another supplier - /times per week	0 7	/times per week

Change test ID

Change test ID

Change test ID

Change test ID

Let’s start!

Your result is:

We got more information to show you...

Are you sure?

What country are you from?

Please, enter your age, weight & height

Please, select your sex

Are you currently pregnant or exclusively breastfeeding?

What month of pregnancy are you in?

Have you consumed any Omega-3 supplements recently?

Which option best describes your diet?

Join Our Groundbreaking Test-Based Nutrition Study!

Thank you for your interest and for playing a vital role in advancing nutrition research!

Have you been taking Xtend or Xtend+, according to the recommended dose (at least 2 tablets per day), for at least the past 2 weeks?

Have you been taking Zinobiotic+ according to the recommended dosage (2 scoops per day) for at least the past 2 weeks?

How would you describe your BalanceOil+ consumption over the past 120 days?

Over the next 30 days, do you plan to maintain the same consumption pattern for your Zinzino Health Protocol products as you reported above? (For example, if you currently do not use a product, select 'Yes' if you plan to continue not using it.)"

Have you taken antibiotics in the past month?

Have you taken laxatives in the past month?

Please provide your email and address below so we can contact you and send out test-kits if you are selected for the study.

We protect your privacy

What kind of Omega-3 supplement?

Let’s start!

Are you sure?

What country are you from?

Please, enter your age, weight & height

Please, select your sex

Are you currently pregnant or exclusively breastfeeding?

What month of pregnancy are you in?

Have you consumed any Omega-3 supplements recently?

Which option best describes your diet?

Join Our Groundbreaking Test-Based Nutrition Study!

Thank you for your interest and for playing a vital role in advancing nutrition research!

Have you been taking Xtend or Xtend+, according to the recommended dose (at least 2 tablets per day), for at least the past 2 weeks?

Have you been taking Zinobiotic+ according to the recommended dosage (2 scoops per day) for at least the past 2 weeks?

How would you describe your BalanceOil+ consumption over the past 120 days?

Over the next 30 days, do you plan to maintain the same consumption pattern for your Zinzino Health Protocol products as you reported above? (For example, if you currently do not use a product, select 'Yes' if you plan to continue not using it.)"

Have you taken antibiotics in the past month?

Have you taken laxatives in the past month?

Please provide your email and address below so we can contact you and send out test-kits if you are selected for the study.

Do you want a notification when your test is ready?

We protect your privacy

Activate notifications

What kind of Omega-3 supplement?

Your test results are not yet ready

Thank you for your answers!

We are terribly sorry!

Your form is already sent.

Your sample contained too little blood

Your sample was missing in the envelope

Please, fill in the following information and we’ll provide you with a new test.

Let’s start!

Are you sure?

What country are you from?

Fill in your details

Sex at birth

Are you currently taking any Zinzino products?

Select which products you use and how many days per week you take them

Zinobiotic+

BalanceOil product

Xtend/Xtend+

R.E.V.O.O Olive Oil

X Gold

Other gut-supporting product (e.g. pre-/probiotics, digestive enzymes)

For how many months have you been taking them?

Zinobiotic+

BalanceOil product

Xtend/Xtend+

R.E.V.O.O Olive Oil

X Gold

Other gut-supporting product (e.g. pre-/probiotics, digestive enzymes)

We need your help

How many servings of fiber-rich foods (e.g., whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables) do you consume per day?

How often do you consume fermented foods (e.g., yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi)?

What dietary pattern do you follow most of the time?

How often do you engage in physical activity (moderate or intense exercise)?