Pyroluria – Kryptopyrroles

People with depression or other mental health disorders often have high levels of Kryptopyrroles in their urine when tested. Kryptopyrroles rob the body of vitamin B6 and zinc, causing these nutrients to be excreted in the urine, this results in a deficiency of B6 and zinc that requires supplementation to correct.

There are many signs and symptoms of  Pyroluria which can occur at any age but is brought on by stress. There seems to be a familial or genetic component as it is most often seen in females and runs in families.

Symptoms of pyroluria – High Kryptopyrroles

• Disperceptions
• Depression
• Intolerance to some protein foods, drugs or alcohol
• Definite body odour and breath
• Morning nausea and constipation
• Difficulty remembering dreams
• Crowded upper front teeth.
• White spots on finger nails
• Pale skin which does not tolerate sunlight
• Frequent upper abdominal pain
• Frequent head colds and infections
• Stretch marks in the skin
• Irregular cycle or impotency
• Any of the above when stressed
• Belong to all-girl family with look-alike sisters
• A family history of mental illness
• A history of miscarried boys

What is being measured

Urinary levels of Kryptopyrroles which belong to a group of chemicals called pyrroles.

Age range this test is suitable for

Adults and children

Children must be able to supply a sample of urine that is free from nappy fibres and stool samples.

Type of Test

Urine

Turnaround Time

7 Working Days

All sample reports are for representational and educational purposes only. Biomarkers, references ranges, results, and all other data may differ from actual reports. All data included in no way represents an actual patient. Any comparisons of results to actual patients, is completely incidental.

Smart Nutrition Pyroluria test Sample Report

Vitamin B6 and Zinc

Pyroluria leads to a deficiency of Vitamin B6 and the mineral zinc. Therefor it is sensible to get both of these tested alongside levels of kryptopyrroles above. The results can also be a useful way to monitor supplementation.

What is being measured

Blood serum levels of zinc and Vitamin B6 and urine levels of kryptopyrroles as above.

Type of test

Blood and Urine

Blood test that requires a blood sample.

You will need to arrange for a blood sample to be collected by a nurse at your G.P. service or at a private clinic or hospital. Any fee for this service is not included in with the test fee. You can also attend the laboratory in London to have the sample taken.

You will need to send your sample back to the lab via a next day postal service – If you are in the UK, Royal mail offer a suitable next day service. If you are outside of the UK then please check with your postal service for options. The cost of the test does not cover the return postage.

Please note that samples should only be posted on Monday – Thursday so that they do not arrive over the weekend when the lab is closed.

Turnaround time

14 days

Special requirements

Supplements need to be stopped before the test unless monitoring effectiveness – please see specific test instructions for details