Many people have not heard of pyroluria, so you are not alone if you are not familiar with it. It is a genetically determined metabolic condition characterised by elevated kryptopyrroles in the urine. It is a metabolite of haemoglobin, first founded by a research team lead by Psychiatrist and Biochemist Abram Hoffer in the late 1950’s. In the 70’s Physician Carl Pfeiffer pioneered the testing mechanism behind pyroluria.

Pyrroles bind to vitamin B6 and zinc. If you have this condition your demand for certain nutrients (particularly B6 and zinc) is high. These two nutrients are essential for neurotransmitter production, particularly serotonin.

Serotonin, dopamine and GABA are essential neurotransmitters for motivation, happiness, sleeping, concentration, memory and general wellbeing. Having pyroluria may cause these to become out of balance if you are deficient in the nutrients needed for their production.

An increase in HPL can indicate oxidative stress. This can disrupt your physical well being at the cellular level. The more pyrroles the more oxidative stress. Hence, treatment for elevated pyrroles may vary between individuals.

Its important to note too that part of correcting elevated pyrroles usually empasses repairing the gut to increase assimilation of nutrients and reduce any further oxidative stress on the body.

Having less bio-available nutrients like Vitamin B6 and zinc is often seen in:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• Autism
• Alcoholism
• Poor dream recall
• Strong fatigue
• Temper outbursts
• Digestive upset, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS
• Joint pain
• Memory loss
• Poor immunity

Treatment 

Physician, Carl Pffeiffer’s preferred treatment methods was using bio-active vitamin B6 and zinc. Today, this is the current method that is best used to reduce the symptoms associated with pyroluria. However, there are a few other key nutrients that are also important. Alongside these nutrients the nutrient absorption needs to be taken into consideration so areas such as small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) and food intolerances also need to be addressed.

All it takes to confirm elevated pyrroles is is a very simple urine test. This test can be ordered through us from anywhere in Australia. We like to organise the test and then a consultation to prescribe your individualised pyrrole wellness plan. Appointments for this can be done in person, by phone or skype. 

Would you like to know more? Book in a free 15 min phone chat with a Naturopath call us  (07) 5458 4800