Relationship between serum kynurenine concentration and exercise performance

We have hypothesized that a close correlation exists between tryptophan metabolism, exercise performance and mood. Before and after a 20-km run, a POMS test and serum l-kynurenine determination were performed. Serum l-kynurenine concentration was negatively correlated with running distance. After running, scores for Vigor and serum l-kynurenine concentration were correlated (r = 0.556); subjects with higher l-kynurenine concentrations tended to have higher scores for Vigor. In this study, we attempted to confirm this hypothesis. The present results suggest a close correlation between tryptophan metabolism, exercise performance and mood.