Phenylacetylglutamine Explained: What It Is and Why It Impacts Your Health

Phenylacetylglutamine, often abbreviated PAGln, is a metabolite produced through the collaboration of gut bacteria and the host liver. Certain gut microbes metabolize phenylalanine to phenylacetate, which is then conjugated with glutamine in the liver to form phenylacetylglutamine. This circulating molecule has drawn attention because higher PAGln levels have been linked in population studies to an increased risk of cardiovascular events and other health outcomes. While correlation does not imply causation, understanding phenylacetylglutamine can help you appreciate how your gut microbiome and diet might influence your heart and metabolic health. Because PAGln reflects microbial pathways and host processing, it is a useful window into gut health. The production of phenylacetylglutamine depends on which bacteria are present and how they metabolize amino acids, so shifts in your gut microbiome can alter PAGln. Diet, kidney function, and medications can also affect PAGln levels and clearance. Monitoring phenylacetylglutamine could become part of a broader health strategy, especially for people focused on cardiovascular risk reduction or metabolic wellbeing, since it sits at the crossroads of microbiome function and host physiology. Practical steps you can take today start with nourishing a diverse, fiber-rich diet that supports beneficial gut bacteria involved in amino acid metabolism. Emphasize a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fermented foods while limiting highly processed items. Regular physical activity and adequate hydration also support a healthy microbiome. For a personalized plan, consider tools like InnerBuddies, which offers a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0-100), Bacteria abundances, and Bacteria functions, plus Target Group Analysis to tailor guidance to your goals. Their platform translates microbiome data into actionable nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, including how different foods may influence PAGln pathways. InnerBuddies also provides end-to-end, consumer-friendly gut test solutions so you can move from data to action. If you want to learn more, explore InnerBuddies microbiome test, or join the community with a Gut Health membership for ongoing guidance. For organizations seeking scale, the InnerBuddies B2B program is designed to power white-label gut health testing products. With the right tools and a plan, you can optimize your gut health and potentially influence phenylacetylglutamine–related risk today.