Skatole (3-methylindole)
Skatole (3-methylindole) is a breakdown product of the amino acid tryptophan and largely determines the smell of stool. It is measured in the second morning urine together with indican.
How skatole is formed
Certain gut bacteria, including species of Clostridium and Bacteroides, break down tryptophan via intermediate steps into skatole. Part of it is absorbed, converted in the liver and excreted in urine. Skatole complements indican because both come from tryptophan but are produced by different bacteria.
Low skatole – what does it mean?
A low value is unremarkable and speaks against increased protein putrefaction by skatole-producing bacteria.
Raised skatole – what does it mean?
Raised levels point to increased putrefaction in the colon, for example with a high-protein, low-fibre diet, incomplete protein digestion or constipation. Together with indican and the iso fatty acids in stool, the extent can be assessed better.
The interpretation is given in your report.
Also known as: skatole, skatole, 3-methylindole
Contexts in which this value is measured
- Foul-smelling wind
- Bloating
- Feeling of fullness
- High-protein diet
Analyses that include this value
There is currently no analysis in the shop for this value. A practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network can tell you how else it can be determined.
View the expert networkReference ranges and how your personal value is to be read are set out in your findings report. You discuss the findings with a practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network.