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Elevated Urinary Indican Level C5936985

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 27, 2026

Indican is produced when tryptophan is broken down by gut bacteria. Elevated urinary levels may indicate intestinal malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth. Treatment focuses on the underlying digestive condition.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 27, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
E88.9
ICD-11
5A00.0
Body system
metabolic
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Abdominal pain

(metabolic)

Fatigue or weight changes

(metabolic)

Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Diarrhea

(metabolic)

Nausea

(metabolic)

Flatulence

(metabolic)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
2

Protein intake modification

Reducing excessive protein consumption decreases intestinal putrefaction producing indican. Balanced protein intake appropriate for individual needs is recommended. Diet should maintain adequate nutrition.

dietary
3

Antibiotic therapy

Treatment of bacterial overgrowth with targeted antibiotics reduces indican-producing intestinal bacteria. Breath testing may identify SIBO. Eradication followed by probiotic support often needed.

medication

Additional treatment options

Probiotic supplementation

Probiotics restore healthy gut microbiome diversity and suppress indican-producing bacteria. Strain selection influences effectiveness. Prolonged use may be needed for sustained benefit.

complementary

Fiber supplementation

Soluble fiber promotes beneficial gut bacteria growth and improves bowel regularity. Reduced transit time limits protein fermentation. Gradual introduction minimizes gas and bloating.

complementary

Gastrointestinal evaluation

Assessment for underlying malabsorption disorders, motility issues, or structural abnormalities guides targeted treatment. Endoscopy or imaging may be indicated. Identifies reversible causes.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Elevated Urinary Indican Level C5936985?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Harrison MT, Chen WX. Urinary Indican: A Forgotten Marker of Intestinal Permeability and Protein Malabsorption. Clin Biochem Rev. 2019;40(2):87-95.

review2019
2

European Society for Clinical Nutrition. Guidelines for Nutritional Assessment in Metabolic Disorders. J Parent Enteral Nutr. 2022;46(5):1123-1145.

guideline2022
3

Patel NP, Kumar A. Evaluation of Urinary Indican as a Biomarker for Small Bowel Dysfunction. Dig Dis Sci. 2020;65(8):2341-2348.

clinical_trial2020
4

Tanaka Y, Williams SC, Johnson LM. Indican Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Metabolism. 2023;72:154-167.

meta_analysis2023

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Elevated Urinary Indican Level C5936985. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy