Pyroluria
What is pyroluria?
Pyroluria is a genetic abnormal blood disorder which relates to improper haemoglobin synthesis. Haemoglobin is responsible for holding iron in red blood cells and during the production of haemoglobin there is a by-product created called kryptopyrrole. Kryptopyrroles have no use in the human body and people with pyroluria will produce an excessive amount of kryptopyrroles which is a chemical imbalance affecting zinc and vitamin B6 levels.
Kryptopyrroles bind onto zinc and vitamin B6 and when kryptopyrroles are excreted through urine (which is their elimination process) the zinc and vitamin B6 is lost. The result of these large amounts of kryptopyrroles is a deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6 which can lead to mental and physical health issues. Zinc and vitamin B6 is crucial for many biochemical and metabolic processes in the body, one of which is neurotransmitter synthesis. The more severe (higher the kryptopyrrole level) the pyroluria condition, the greater the deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6.
Pyroluria is a genetic abnormal blood disorder which relates to improper haemoglobin synthesis. Haemoglobin is responsible for holding iron in red blood cells and during the production of haemoglobin there is a by-product created called kryptopyrrole. Kryptopyrroles have no use in the human body and people with pyroluria will produce an excessive amount of kryptopyrroles which is a chemical imbalance affecting zinc and vitamin B6 levels.
Kryptopyrroles bind onto zinc and vitamin B6 and when kryptopyrroles are excreted through urine (which is their elimination process) the zinc and vitamin B6 is lost. The result of these large amounts of kryptopyrroles is a deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6 which can lead to mental and physical health issues. Zinc and vitamin B6 is crucial for many biochemical and metabolic processes in the body, one of which is neurotransmitter synthesis. The more severe (higher the kryptopyrrole level) the pyroluria condition, the greater the deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6.
What are the mental and physical health disorders and symptoms which may be associated with pyroluria?
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Pyroluria testing
Testing for pyroluria is done through a urine sample which can be collected at home. The test measures the level of kryptopyrroles in the urine, any kryptopyrrole urine levels above the reference range is an indication of the disorder. Depending on the kryptopyrrole level, the condition can range from mild to moderate to severe. For pyroluria testing please click here for the available tests page.
Testing for pyroluria is done through a urine sample which can be collected at home. The test measures the level of kryptopyrroles in the urine, any kryptopyrrole urine levels above the reference range is an indication of the disorder. Depending on the kryptopyrrole level, the condition can range from mild to moderate to severe. For pyroluria testing please click here for the available tests page.
Pyroluria treatment
Treatment for pyroluria involves dietary changes, lifestyle changes, supplement use to correct deficiencies of certain nutrients and eliminating exposure to toxins in the environment such as toxic metals and certain chemicals. If a positive pyroluria diagnosis is made then a treatment programme is sent in the results email.
