Have you ever heard of Pyroluria, Pyrroles, Mauve Factor, or Kryptopyrrole?

I'll take a guess that for most of you, that's a 'no'.

However, if mental health struggles plague you, you may want to keep reading about Pyrroles, a disorder not recognized by Western Medicine.

Pyrroles can be genetic in nature as well as brought on by episodes of oxidative stress. Both can trigger an overproduction of something called kryptopyrroles (HPL) which are found in urine. Kryptopyrroles bind with zinc and b-6, increasing their depletion quite rapidly.

To put it simply: genetics and/or oxidative stress can trigger Pyrroles which rapidly depletes zinc and B6 levels.

Why Zinc and B6 Are Important

Depletion of zinc and B6 can set the stage for big changes in mood and the way in which one is able to cope with stress.

Zinc plays an incredibly vital role in the body as it's a mineral that is essential to over 100 enzymes in the human body. Sounds pretty important right?

It is essential for proper immune system function, the production of hemoglobin, reproduction, as well as growth and development. It's also called a hormonal balancer because it's required to manufacture hormones as well as maintain hormonal balance. Zinc has been said to be therapeutic for PMS, excess estrogen and mental health.

One of the reasons that zinc is so key to mental health is due to its relationship with copper. Low zinc can lead to elevated copper because of the antagonistic relationship between the two minerals, which can manifest in a multitude of mental health symptoms.

Vitamin B6 on the other hand is key to the production of hormones like progesterone, and essential to manufacture neurotransmitters such as GABA (think calming), serotonin (think happy), and dopamine (think pleasure and reward). [8]

Pyrroles and Mental Health Conditions

The following neurobehavioral disorders are associated with elevated kryptopyrroles:
Down syndrome 65-71%
Schizophrenia, acute 59-80%
Schizophrenia, chronic 40-50%
Criminal behavior — Adults, sudden deviance 70-71%
Criminal behavior — Youths, violent offenders 71-33%
Manic depression 47-50%
Depression, non-schizophrenic 12-46%
Autism 46-48%
Epilepsy 44%
Learning disability/ADHD 40-47%
Alcoholism 20-84% [6]

Isn't it empowering to know how many conditions can be so strongly influenced by nutrients?

Signs of Pyrroles Disorder

If most of these symptoms describe you, a test for urinary HPL may be helpful.

• poor stress control
• poor short-term memory
• sensitive to noise and bright lights
• reading disorder
• little to no dream recall
• fearfulness
• dry skin
• poor growth
• abnormal fat distribution
• high anxiety
• spleen area pain
• underachievement
• frequent infections
• extreme mood swings
• severe inner tension
• affinity for spicy + salty foods
• tendency to skip breakfast
• delayed puberty [4]

Genetic Connection to Pyrroles and Lower B6 Levels

Pyrroles is said to be more common in those of Scandinavian or Irish decent, so while there is a genetic link to Pyrroles, it isn't widely accepted.

Below you can find the genetic snip that is commonly associated with lower B6 levels and Pyrroles disorder.

Here's an example of the gene (risk allele C) on the 23andMe raw data browser:

Because the genes present in this example are C / T, and C is the risk allele, this person would be heterozygous (one copy or a carrier) for NBPF3, PFN1P10.

Also note, that just because you have the genetics for something, doesn't mean you are expressing those genetics. That's where urine testing comes in.

According to OpenSNP.com:

Order a 23andMe report right here for $79.*

*23andme is constantly updating what is included in the raw data (read: less data is included with every "chip" or update). I can't make any promises that these markers are still included, so it is best to check with them before you check out.

Testing For Pyrroles

Testing for Pyrroles is done with an easy at-home urine test that can be done through the mail.

Typically, they'll have you freeze your sample prior to sending mailing to preserve it for testing.

You can inquire about testing here.

Nutritional Support for Pyrroles

There is no permanent fix for Pyrroles but it can be managed through nutritional therapy.

Nutrition support for Pyrroles includes:

• Magnesium
• Zinc
• B6
• Essential fatty acids like gamma linolenic acid

I hope this article helps empower and inform you so you can take control of your mental health.

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References:

1. https://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/pyroluria-a-hidden-cause-of-addictions-adhd-anxiety-and-other-afflictions/
2. https://www.facebook.com/groups/230824260340671/posts/Carol-Savage-posted-in-MTHFR-Gene-Mutation/1426096904146728/
3. https://opensnp.org/snps/rs4654748
4. Walsh, William J., PhD: Nutrient Power: Heal Your Biochemistry & Heal Your Brain, 2014.
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33902305/
6. http://www.walshinstitute.org/uploads/1/7/9/9/17997321/discerning-mauve-factor-part-1-galley-feb-2008.pdf
7. http://www.walshinstitute.org/uploads/1/7/9/9/17997321/discerning-the-mauve-factor-part-ii-galley.pdf
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29685187/