What I am about to explain to you may seem a difficult concept to grasp, but pyrrole is very real for many people and is often misidentified or unidentified.
Pyrrole disorder is also known as Pyroluria. It is an abnormality of biochemical nature that results in the production of high levels of pyrroles. These ‘things’ known as pyrroles are metabolites (broken down parts) of the proteins in our red blood cells called haemoglobin. These metabolites contribute to the binding of B6 and Zinc. When pyrroles are eliminated from the body they take these final nutrients with them. Under normal conditions this may not be a problem. But in circumstances of high stress or genetic predisposition, deficiencies in B6 and Zinc can present, leaving behind some unpleasant and life altering effects.
What do B6 and Zinc do for us?
Neurotransmitters (the messengers in our body that conduct hormones and help us to feel good) rely heavily on B6 and Zinc for production and function. Many of us have heard of serotonin, dopamine and to a lesser extent GABA. Well, these are neurotransmitters (happy hormones) that rely on B6 for production. Zinc is, well, important for every function in the body but particularly, sexual hormone production, gut and immune system function, all which have a profound impact on how our brain functions.
So what causes pyrrole disorder?
- Stress
- Growth spurts
- Various medical conditions that stress the body
- Genetics
- Oxidative stress (toxins in the body)
- Ineffective detoxification processes
Pyrrole disorder may also play a role in worsening, or be the result of the following conditions:
- Bipolar
- Autism
- ADHD
- Depression
- Criminal activity
- Generalized behaviour issues
- Learning disorders
- Substance abuse
- Alcoholism
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Alzheimer’s
What symptoms may present in pyrrole disorder?
- Social anxiety, excessive shyness
- Anxiety in crowds and avoidance of crowded situations
- Inability to control stress and avoidance of stressful circumstances
- Internal tension
- Anxiety over the unknown
- Anxiety with meeting new people
- Sensitive to loud noises, sunlight, odours, textures
- Irritable
- Anger
- Aggression
- Depression
- Negative thoughts
- Poor dream recalls
- Night owl
- Poor memory
- Learning difficulties
- Underachievement
- Desires spicy and/or salty food
- Nausea in the morning with reduced appetite
- Skipping breakfast
- Delayed puberty
- Dysmenorrhea/amenorrhea
- Growth abnormalities
- Skin conditions
- Stretch marks
- Poor wound healing
- Acne
- White spots on nails
- Poor muscle development and abnormal fat distribution
- Joint pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Frequent infections, cold, flu
- Autoimmune conditions
- Many sisters/females in the family
How do I find out if I have pyrrole disorder?
A qualified health practitioner who is familiar with pyrrole disorder should take your full case history. A urine test is conducted to determine the level of kryptopyrroles. An individualized treatment that will normally include zinc and B6 along with other dietary and nutritional supports is generally created following a positive history and urine test. Other referrals may also be made to support the symptoms of Pyroluria, which may include, where necessary psychological support, lifestyle and exercise advice.
If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms or know someone who may present with one or more of the symptoms contact Danielle at Beta Me Nutrition for a consultation.