Pyroluria is a genetic condition of great interest, that often manifests strongly down the family line. It is not widely known about, yet could account for a whole host of physical and mental symptoms.
What is pyroluria
Pyroluria is a genetic condition that affects the way that the liver makes and breaks down haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin is a protein found in the blood that carries a molecule of iron within it. Iron attracts oxygen which literally stick to the iron in the haemoglobin. The haemoglobin is like a transport system for oxygen to travel around our bodies. It is the protein that is responsible for our blood being red.
When haemoglobin is made and broken down for excretion, it creates bi-products that are waste. These bi-products are called kryptopyrroles.
A usual functioning body, with no genetic variation will simply excrete these kryptopyrroles in their stools and urine.
However, individuals with a certain gene variant struggle to eliminate these kryptopyrroles. They start to accumulate and cause problems.
The accumulating kryptopyrroles bind to zinc, B6 and Omega 6 in the body - making them unusable. Eventually, when the kryptopyrroles are eliminated through waste matter, they take the zinc, B6 and Omega 6 with them.
People who have the pyroluric genetic trait will often display symptoms of deficiency of zinc, B6 and omega 6.
Stress and pyroluria
An individual can go through their life with the pyroluric gene and be totally unaware and have no symptoms. The gene is "switched on" with stress.
If someone is lucky enough to have a very stress free lifestyle, they may never even know about it and live a symptom free life.
For most of us, this isn`t the case.
Periods of stress, trauma and anxiety will often be the trigger for pyroluria emerging. Physical bodily stress can also cause its onset.
It commonly manifests during or shortly after puberty - a time of great physical stress for the developing body and a time where the body has one of its greatest needs for zinc. Zinc is needed for sexual maturity. Add a little teenage angst into the mix and it is a perfect recipe for disaster for those with pyroluric genetic variants.
Like stress can "switch the gene on", it can be sent into dormancy again with the right diet , environmental factors and lifestyle.
Manifestations of pyroluria
Pyroluric individuals often suffer with mental and emotional instabilities and challenges. Someone who suffers from this condition can at times feel like they are "going mad".
What is pyroluria
Pyroluria is a genetic condition that affects the way that the liver makes and breaks down haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin is a protein found in the blood that carries a molecule of iron within it. Iron attracts oxygen which literally stick to the iron in the haemoglobin. The haemoglobin is like a transport system for oxygen to travel around our bodies. It is the protein that is responsible for our blood being red.
When haemoglobin is made and broken down for excretion, it creates bi-products that are waste. These bi-products are called kryptopyrroles.
A usual functioning body, with no genetic variation will simply excrete these kryptopyrroles in their stools and urine.
However, individuals with a certain gene variant struggle to eliminate these kryptopyrroles. They start to accumulate and cause problems.
The accumulating kryptopyrroles bind to zinc, B6 and Omega 6 in the body - making them unusable. Eventually, when the kryptopyrroles are eliminated through waste matter, they take the zinc, B6 and Omega 6 with them.
People who have the pyroluric genetic trait will often display symptoms of deficiency of zinc, B6 and omega 6.
Stress and pyroluria
An individual can go through their life with the pyroluric gene and be totally unaware and have no symptoms. The gene is "switched on" with stress.
If someone is lucky enough to have a very stress free lifestyle, they may never even know about it and live a symptom free life.
For most of us, this isn`t the case.
Periods of stress, trauma and anxiety will often be the trigger for pyroluria emerging. Physical bodily stress can also cause its onset.
It commonly manifests during or shortly after puberty - a time of great physical stress for the developing body and a time where the body has one of its greatest needs for zinc. Zinc is needed for sexual maturity. Add a little teenage angst into the mix and it is a perfect recipe for disaster for those with pyroluric genetic variants.
Like stress can "switch the gene on", it can be sent into dormancy again with the right diet , environmental factors and lifestyle.
Manifestations of pyroluria
Pyroluric individuals often suffer with mental and emotional instabilities and challenges. Someone who suffers from this condition can at times feel like they are "going mad".
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Whilst copper is needed in small quantities, in larger or unbalanced amounts, it is a bad thing.
Think of telephone wires and electricity cables. Copper is used as a conductor of electricity. It is an excitatory metal. Copper has an affinity to go to the brain in individuals, along with the kidneys and the ovaries. This copper has the same effect on mental status. It is excitatory and agitating. It causes anxiety and great nervous tension. It can cause wild mood swings and a "Jackal and Hyde" type personality. One of the reasons for this is that zinc is needed to keep copper in balance. They are what is known as antagonists. If a person gets a higher amount of copper in their diet, their zinc levels will lower, and vice versa. A person who has kryptopyrroles that bind to zinc and make them unusable is going to be naturally lower in zinc. This will mean that the copper they have in their body will be allowed to rise to levels that are unbalanced. |
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On top of this, individuals with pyroluria have an imbalance between the levels of dopamine and serotonin (both mood balancing neurotransmitters) which worsens the mental health picture.
The importance of zinc, B6 and Omega 6
Zinc is essential for hundreds of processes in the body and is particularly important for healing, immune function, healthy gut, digestion, neurotransmitter activity, physical growth, sexual maturity, memory, insuliln sensitivity, blood sugar control and DNA replication
B6 is a type of vitamin and is necessary for the creation of red blood cells, energy, reproduction and cognitive function.
Zinc and B6 are essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (happy hormone), melatonin (sleep hormone), GABA (relaxation hormone) and acetylcholine - which is important for memory. They help produce steroid hormones such as cortisol and help convert the oils in our body into usable essential fatty acids.
Mental health and pyroluria
Very often a person with pyroluria will be able to look back through their family history and see a familiar running theme through the family around mental health. Symptoms can be anywhere between mild and severe and manifest in a number of ways, including:
Alcoholism, drug misuse, violence, depression, neuroses, suicide, mood imbalances, poor anger control, poor coping skills, OCD, bi-polar, eating disorders, melodramatic behaviours, schizophrenia, nervous exhaustion, ADHD, autism, easily upset by criticism, criminality, addictions and anxiety are all common manifestations of pyroluria.
Individuals can also be shy and uncomfortable in large social situations. They can suffer with an inner-tension and deep anxiety. New situations or changes to routines can be stressful to pyrolurics.
Often men in the family will show more aggressive behaviours or suicidal tendencies more so than females in the family.
The male body is always producing sperm, which is heavily reliant on zinc. It uses this mineral in great quantities. With the kryptoyrroles binding to zinc, the male body is left depleted and copper is allowed to rise. Add in some testosterone and the angry picture begins to evolve.
Neurological imbalances can also manifest from excessive kryptopyrroles such as tics, seizures, sensitivity to lights, smells and sounds, dyslexia, Aspergers, tourettes, memory problems, inability to think clearly, confusion, poor brain blood supply and cognitive decline.
Physical manifestations of pyroluria
Pyroluria can cause the following physical symptoms:
Nausea, poor appetite (especially in the morning), digestive complaints, skin problems, headaches, PMS, aching or cracking joints, dislike of eating meat, frequent infections, poor dream recall, white spots on nails, premature greying of hair, stretch marks, pale complexion, delayed puberty, leaky gut, allergies, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, a "pot belly", acne, bad breath, cold hands and feet, weak connective tissues, ehlers danlos syndrome, hyper-mobile joints, varicose veins. carpal tunnel syndrome, raynauds disease, overcrowded teeth, poor tooth enamel, dry/fragile or early ageing of skin, eczema, fatigue, ear infections, greasy skin, poor fat metabolism, male impotence, muscle tremors or cramps, insomnia, irregular periods, painful periods, infertility, miscarriage, menopausal problems, poor hair growth, poor sense of taste or smell, hypoglycaemia and blood sugar imbalances, poor tolerance for alcohol or drugs, tingling hands, water retention, low blood pressure when young, and more.
The importance of zinc, B6 and Omega 6
Zinc is essential for hundreds of processes in the body and is particularly important for healing, immune function, healthy gut, digestion, neurotransmitter activity, physical growth, sexual maturity, memory, insuliln sensitivity, blood sugar control and DNA replication
B6 is a type of vitamin and is necessary for the creation of red blood cells, energy, reproduction and cognitive function.
Zinc and B6 are essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (happy hormone), melatonin (sleep hormone), GABA (relaxation hormone) and acetylcholine - which is important for memory. They help produce steroid hormones such as cortisol and help convert the oils in our body into usable essential fatty acids.
Mental health and pyroluria
Very often a person with pyroluria will be able to look back through their family history and see a familiar running theme through the family around mental health. Symptoms can be anywhere between mild and severe and manifest in a number of ways, including:
Alcoholism, drug misuse, violence, depression, neuroses, suicide, mood imbalances, poor anger control, poor coping skills, OCD, bi-polar, eating disorders, melodramatic behaviours, schizophrenia, nervous exhaustion, ADHD, autism, easily upset by criticism, criminality, addictions and anxiety are all common manifestations of pyroluria.
Individuals can also be shy and uncomfortable in large social situations. They can suffer with an inner-tension and deep anxiety. New situations or changes to routines can be stressful to pyrolurics.
Often men in the family will show more aggressive behaviours or suicidal tendencies more so than females in the family.
The male body is always producing sperm, which is heavily reliant on zinc. It uses this mineral in great quantities. With the kryptoyrroles binding to zinc, the male body is left depleted and copper is allowed to rise. Add in some testosterone and the angry picture begins to evolve.
Neurological imbalances can also manifest from excessive kryptopyrroles such as tics, seizures, sensitivity to lights, smells and sounds, dyslexia, Aspergers, tourettes, memory problems, inability to think clearly, confusion, poor brain blood supply and cognitive decline.
Physical manifestations of pyroluria
Pyroluria can cause the following physical symptoms:
Nausea, poor appetite (especially in the morning), digestive complaints, skin problems, headaches, PMS, aching or cracking joints, dislike of eating meat, frequent infections, poor dream recall, white spots on nails, premature greying of hair, stretch marks, pale complexion, delayed puberty, leaky gut, allergies, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, a "pot belly", acne, bad breath, cold hands and feet, weak connective tissues, ehlers danlos syndrome, hyper-mobile joints, varicose veins. carpal tunnel syndrome, raynauds disease, overcrowded teeth, poor tooth enamel, dry/fragile or early ageing of skin, eczema, fatigue, ear infections, greasy skin, poor fat metabolism, male impotence, muscle tremors or cramps, insomnia, irregular periods, painful periods, infertility, miscarriage, menopausal problems, poor hair growth, poor sense of taste or smell, hypoglycaemia and blood sugar imbalances, poor tolerance for alcohol or drugs, tingling hands, water retention, low blood pressure when young, and more.
Pregnancy and pyroluria
Reproduction relies upon zinc and B6. A deficiency can cause infertiltiy. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and is complicated further with a deficiency of zinc and B6. The quality of eggs is reliant upon zinc, and it is also necessary for sperm health. The embryonic development of the fetus is also reliant upon this important mineral.
During the latter stages of pregnancy, the body allows copper levels to rise, to help with the contraction of the uterus in labour.
Because of this, the mother`s zinc levels lower. This leaves a pyroluric mother vulnerable after birth to post-natal depression and other manifestations of the condition. It also allows the copper level in the breast milk to heighten, causing agitation and upset to the infant.
Interestingly, the placenta is rich in zinc. All female animals will eat the placenta after birth to restore their zinc levels. Midwifes hundreds of years ago would always cook the placenta and feed it to the mother. Whilst we might not want to eat placenta these days (although some people do) it is important for a pyroluric individual to plan ahead for this post natal nutrient deficit with supplementation.
Genetic inheritance of pyroluria
It is believed that if one parent has pyroluria, the offspring are 50% likely to inherit this genetic factor and if both parents are pyroluric that rises to 75%.
It is thought that around 10% of the population suffer from pyroluria. While that seems quite a small amount, it is thought that around 24% of chilren with behavioural difficulties have the condition.
Around 42% of individuals with mental health challenges are estimated to be pyroluric and the amount of people with schizophrenia due to pyroluria is thought to be 52%
In a study that tested criminals for the condition, 71% of those tested responded positively to excessive kryptopyrroles.
It is thought that 40% of alcoholism is due to pyroluria and individuals who suffer from depression due to pyroluria is 70%.
Treatment of pyroluria
An individual with pyroluria must first and foremost assess their stress levels as the stress response of the body is the trigger for the cascade of pyroluric events. This is a condition that can be put into remission with the right environment.
Nutritionally, it is essential to remove any foods or drinks that create a physical stress response. These are commonly gluten, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined carbohydrates and packaged/processed foods. Ideally, a pyroluric individual should follow an anti-inflammatory diet. (see my anti-inflammatory diet information here)
The body must always be well hydrated. A dehydrated body creates a massive stress response and also a further imbalance in its mineral content. An adult should be drinking between 1.5 - 2 litres of pure water per day to achieve the correct cellular electrolyte balance. Children should be weighed and the water content calculated on their weight. (See my water information here)
Foods high in zinc and B6 should be eaten regularly. Foods high in zinc are:
Tea/ coffee and decaffeinated tea and coffee should not be drunk within half an hour before or after a meal. Neither should red wine. The tannin's in these beverages bind to zinc and other minerals and make them unusable. Ideally these drinks should be removed entirely.
Foods high in B6 should be eaten regularly. These include:
A rainbow of vegetables should be eaten daily. 60% of your meals should be vegetables at least twice per day.
Reduce the amount of grains and cereal foods that you eat. These contain phytates that bind to zinc and other minerals - making them unusable.
Pyroluric individuals should avoid the copper IUD and limit their time in public swimming pools, both contain copper in an absorbable form.
Supplementation for Pyroluria
Your nutritional therapist can work with you to restore your zinc, B6 and omega 6 levels. Once your levels are raised optimally, you may need to continue on a preventative dose long-term. You should also supplement with these nutrients in a highly absorbable form to take some of the strain out of what the body needs to do.
Some people can manage the condition by eating well and only supplementing through times of stress. They can plan ahead if they know that a greater demand for stress hormones is on the horizon and supplement as a prevention.
Children and adolescents should supplement through this important and demanding time of growth.
In summary
Pyroluria is known as many different names including - pyrrole disorder, mauve factor, kryptopyrroluria and malvaria.
It is a condition that GPs and conventional medical doctors do not acknowledge despite it`s very real existence and despite the numerous medical research papers about it.
Pyroluria is a genetic condition that often runs in families and can manifest with a variety of mental and physical symptoms.
Pyroluria is triggered by stressful events and depletes the body of zinc, B6 and omega 6. Pyroluria can be tested for by doing a urine test. However, this should be done during times of stress and when the individual isn`t supplementing. Levels of kryptopyrroles will be reduced when the individual is calm and relaxed, or following a supplement program.
Pyroluria can be controlled with a diet and lifestyle evaluation alongside supplementation. You should always work with a qualified nutritional therapist or naturopath to supplementally support pyroluria.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18383989/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3520252/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1096175/
Reproduction relies upon zinc and B6. A deficiency can cause infertiltiy. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and is complicated further with a deficiency of zinc and B6. The quality of eggs is reliant upon zinc, and it is also necessary for sperm health. The embryonic development of the fetus is also reliant upon this important mineral.
During the latter stages of pregnancy, the body allows copper levels to rise, to help with the contraction of the uterus in labour.
Because of this, the mother`s zinc levels lower. This leaves a pyroluric mother vulnerable after birth to post-natal depression and other manifestations of the condition. It also allows the copper level in the breast milk to heighten, causing agitation and upset to the infant.
Interestingly, the placenta is rich in zinc. All female animals will eat the placenta after birth to restore their zinc levels. Midwifes hundreds of years ago would always cook the placenta and feed it to the mother. Whilst we might not want to eat placenta these days (although some people do) it is important for a pyroluric individual to plan ahead for this post natal nutrient deficit with supplementation.
Genetic inheritance of pyroluria
It is believed that if one parent has pyroluria, the offspring are 50% likely to inherit this genetic factor and if both parents are pyroluric that rises to 75%.
It is thought that around 10% of the population suffer from pyroluria. While that seems quite a small amount, it is thought that around 24% of chilren with behavioural difficulties have the condition.
Around 42% of individuals with mental health challenges are estimated to be pyroluric and the amount of people with schizophrenia due to pyroluria is thought to be 52%
In a study that tested criminals for the condition, 71% of those tested responded positively to excessive kryptopyrroles.
It is thought that 40% of alcoholism is due to pyroluria and individuals who suffer from depression due to pyroluria is 70%.
Treatment of pyroluria
An individual with pyroluria must first and foremost assess their stress levels as the stress response of the body is the trigger for the cascade of pyroluric events. This is a condition that can be put into remission with the right environment.
Nutritionally, it is essential to remove any foods or drinks that create a physical stress response. These are commonly gluten, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined carbohydrates and packaged/processed foods. Ideally, a pyroluric individual should follow an anti-inflammatory diet. (see my anti-inflammatory diet information here)
The body must always be well hydrated. A dehydrated body creates a massive stress response and also a further imbalance in its mineral content. An adult should be drinking between 1.5 - 2 litres of pure water per day to achieve the correct cellular electrolyte balance. Children should be weighed and the water content calculated on their weight. (See my water information here)
Foods high in zinc and B6 should be eaten regularly. Foods high in zinc are:
- Red meat - especially organ meat like liver
- Shellfish
- Legumes
- Seeds (especially pumpkin seeds)
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Ginger
Tea/ coffee and decaffeinated tea and coffee should not be drunk within half an hour before or after a meal. Neither should red wine. The tannin's in these beverages bind to zinc and other minerals and make them unusable. Ideally these drinks should be removed entirely.
Foods high in B6 should be eaten regularly. These include:
- Pork
- chicken
- turkey
- beef
- salmon
- peanuts
- oats
- bananas
- tofu
- sweet potatoes
- pistachio nuts
A rainbow of vegetables should be eaten daily. 60% of your meals should be vegetables at least twice per day.
Reduce the amount of grains and cereal foods that you eat. These contain phytates that bind to zinc and other minerals - making them unusable.
Pyroluric individuals should avoid the copper IUD and limit their time in public swimming pools, both contain copper in an absorbable form.
Supplementation for Pyroluria
Your nutritional therapist can work with you to restore your zinc, B6 and omega 6 levels. Once your levels are raised optimally, you may need to continue on a preventative dose long-term. You should also supplement with these nutrients in a highly absorbable form to take some of the strain out of what the body needs to do.
Some people can manage the condition by eating well and only supplementing through times of stress. They can plan ahead if they know that a greater demand for stress hormones is on the horizon and supplement as a prevention.
Children and adolescents should supplement through this important and demanding time of growth.
In summary
Pyroluria is known as many different names including - pyrrole disorder, mauve factor, kryptopyrroluria and malvaria.
It is a condition that GPs and conventional medical doctors do not acknowledge despite it`s very real existence and despite the numerous medical research papers about it.
Pyroluria is a genetic condition that often runs in families and can manifest with a variety of mental and physical symptoms.
Pyroluria is triggered by stressful events and depletes the body of zinc, B6 and omega 6. Pyroluria can be tested for by doing a urine test. However, this should be done during times of stress and when the individual isn`t supplementing. Levels of kryptopyrroles will be reduced when the individual is calm and relaxed, or following a supplement program.
Pyroluria can be controlled with a diet and lifestyle evaluation alongside supplementation. You should always work with a qualified nutritional therapist or naturopath to supplementally support pyroluria.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18383989/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3520252/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1096175/
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Thrive
Clinical Nutrition and Naturopathic Health Eve Morley BA hons. NT. FNTP. AMNNA. Soc Nat Get in touch 07809 432028 hello@shesthriving.com |
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