Pyroluria or Pyrrole disorder is a genetic condition that makes the body produce 5 – 10 times more pyrroles than normal. A pyrrole is a byproduct of hemoglobin synthesis and is normally excreted via urine.
Hemoglobin is the molecule that carries oxygen in your blood. Pyrroles bind to nutrients, such as vitamin B6 and zinc. This means that zinc and vitamin B6 nutrients are no longer available to the body.
Pyroluria is one of the more common sources of several psychiatric conditions. Those with Pyroluria have deficiencies of vitamin B6 and zinc which is linked to a wide range of psychiatric issues including –
• anxiety
• irritability
• depression
• short-term memory problems
• Pyroluria is also seen in children who show poor responses to stress, behavioral disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders
Zinc deficiency has been associated with physiological disorders like poor immune function and delayed puberty.
Symptoms of Pyroluria include –
• anxiety
• irritability and mood swings
• fatigue
• poor short-term memory
• increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, odors
• frequent infections
• allergies
• poor appetite, especially in the morning
• nausea, motion sickness
Early diagnosis and treatment of Pyroluria are vital for successful treatment. Pyroluria can be diagnosed with a urine test to measure kryptopyroles.
Pyroluria treatment can be done with nutritional interventions. In addition to vitamin B6 and zinc, treatment may include –
• Manganese
o for the metabolism of proteins
o neurotransmitter production
o vital for joint health
o depleted by high doses of zinc
• Magnesium
o Helps reduce irritability
o reduces hypersensitivity to lights/sounds
o large amounts of vitamin B6 may cause a decline in magnesium levels
• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) can improve the recovery process by aiding the production of serotonin
• Vitamin C and pantothenic acid help to support the adrenal glands and improve energy levels
Pyroluria affected individuals usually respond well to the targeted nutritional treatment plan. Many patients can obtain relief within days. Most recover fully within 3-6 months with appropriate interventions.
Since it is a genetic condition, Pyroluria is a chronic condition and requires lifelong treatment. If treatment is discontinued, patients may experience an immediate return of their symptoms.
Do you know that the popular supplement for depressed mood and anxiety, Serocor, contains many of these essential nutrients, namely Vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin B3, and magnesium?
So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any such symptoms, talk to an integrative psychiatrist.
If you are looking for the best-rated psychiatrists or integrative or integrative psychiatrists in Los Angeles or Torrance, CA, reserve an appointment with Dr. Eric Lazcano or call 310-373-1555 today! With an integrative holistic medicine approach to treating, preventing, and reversing mental disorders, Dr. Lazcano provides comprehensive medical-psychiatric care that will reverse and prevent disease.