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Most of us know probiotics, the helpful bacteria in our digestive system, and prebiotics, the fibers that feed them. Scientists are now focusing more on postbiotics, active compounds made by gut microbes. One of the most fascinating is indole-3-propionic acid, or IPA, a molecule created when certain gut bacteria break down the essential amino acid tryptophan.

Scientists are interested in IPA because it affects more than the gut. Studies are examining whether it might protect the brain, help regulate blood sugar and metabolism, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce stress and inflammation. This could matter for conditions like diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, kidney and heart problems, inflammatory bowel disease, bone health, and brain diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.