Pyroluria Syndrome
Pyroluria affects approx 30-50% of those with ADHD/AS.
Pyroluria Syndrome is a genetic chemical imbalance which involves an
abnormality in haemoglobin synthesis. People with this disorder
overproduce a by-product of this chemical synthesis called 'Kryptopyrrole' (KP)
or 'Hemepyrrole' (HP) which appears in the bloodstream. This chemical has
little of no function in the body, and is effectively excreted in urine.
The problem is that this substance has chemical affinity for pyridoxine (vitamin
B6) and zinc, and these essential nutrients are stripped from the bloodstream
along with the Pyrroles. Pyroluria can have a mild, moderate or sever effect on an individual,
depending on the severity of the imbalance. These individuals usually
exhibit some symptoms of zinc deficiency and
B6
deficiency, which include poor stress control, nervousness, anxiety, emotion
mood swings, severe inner tension, episodic anger, and depression. Most
Pyrolurics exhibit at least two of these problems.
Pyroluria is a stress disorder which is usually detected by chemical analysis
of the abnormal pyrroles in the urine. Most people have KP levels of 0 to
10 micrograms per decilitre. People with levels above 20 are considered to
have Pyroluria, especially if the above symptoms are present. The chemical
analysis for KP is difficult due to the tendency for this chemical to decompose.
Sometimes if is necessary to repeat this test to properly define KP levels.
Mild and moderate Pyroluria usually involve a fairly rapid response to
treatment if no other chemical imbalances are present. People with sever
Pyroluria usually require several weeks before progress begins and for them
improvement may be gradual over 3 to 12 months. The biochemical imbalance
will usually recur within 2 to 4 weeks, if the nutritional program is stopped.
Pyroluria is treated by restoring vitamin B6 and zinc so that this double
deficiency is corrected. Zinc must be provided in efficiently absorbed
form, such as Picolinate or Gluconate. Vitamin B6 is usually given as both
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride and Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate. Augmenting nutrients
which assist in the correct of this imbalance include manganese, vitamins C & E
and Cysteine.
Pyrolurics respond most rapidly nutrient treatment in an environment of low
stress. They are especially vulnerable to cumulative stress over many
days. We recommend that parents of a Pyroluric child use discipline that
is "short and sweet" rather than "long and lingering". Pyrolurics are
generally prone to relapses, especially during illness, injury or emotional
stress.
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