On the Coast – Families Issue 93 | April / May 2018 | Page 8

Pyrroles
is this affecting my child’s
mood and behaviour?
by Diana Arundell
P
yrroles are a break down
product or natural metabolite
of haemoglobin which is the part
of the red blood cell responsible for
transporting oxygen around the
body. When produced in ‘normal’
amounts pyrroles are metabolised
and excreted without creating any
issues for the body.
When there is an abnormality in
haemoglobin metabolism, excess pyrroles
can be produced which may affect the
absorption of particular vitamins and
minerals. This can potentially lead to
dysfunction in those body systems
reliant on certain levels of these vitamins
and minerals for optimal function. The
excess production of pyrroles is referred
to as pyrrole disorder, pyroluria, mauve
factor, HPL (hydroxyhemopyrrolin-
2-one) or kryptopyrrole. The over
production of pyrroles and potential
effects of elevated pyrroles on the body
is controversial.
Pyrrole levels can be tested via the
urine however the pathology lab needs
to be set up specifically for this test.
Pyrroles bind to vitamin B6 and zinc in
particular, therefore possibly disrupting
functions of the body dependant on
these nutrients. Sufficient levels of B6
and zinc are required for healthy brain
chemistry and function, so many of
the symptoms of excess pyrroles are
associated with mood and behavioural
disorders.
It’s not the direct action of excess
pyrroles binding to zinc but the flow
on effect of lower available zinc which
can contribute to health issues such as
creating imbalance in the copper:zinc
ratio in the body. Zinc competes with
copper therefore sufficient zinc levels
help to maintain healthy copper levels
and when zinc is deficient in the
body, high copper levels may result
which can impact neurotransmitter
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KI DZ O N T H E C OA S T
synthesis and mood. For
example GABA is an
inhibitory or calming
neurotransmitter
and high copper
levels can decrease
the synthesis and
binding of GABA
which can result in
increased anxiety.
Good levels of GABA
rely on good levels
of zinc and vitamin B6.
Sufficient nutrients are required
for good neurological function and high
pyrroles along with methylation issues
can disturb nutritional balance.
Pyrrole disorder can be caused by
genetic predisposition and/or lifestyle
choices leading to poor nutrition as
well as both physical and emotional
stress. Unhealthy gut function including
leaky gut can lead to increased levels of
circulating HPL so maintaining healthy
digestive function including a well
balanced micro-biome is important.
Symptoms of pyrrole disorder include
anxiety, depression, explosive temper
or withdrawal, digestive upset and
sensitivities to things such as light,
sound, smell and allergic tendencies.
Some of these may not be directly caused
by pyrroles but are more associated with
the zinc deficiency that may be caused by
the pyrrole disorder. It’s also important
to acknowledge that mood changes
are not always a sign of ‘disorder’ in
the body and can be an important
process of our innate communication,
providing feedback to ourselves about
our current situation. We also need to
acknowledge and honour the broad
spectrum of people and personalities and
not try and produce
clones of what
society considers
a ‘normal’
or ‘perfect
child’ with no
undulating
moods at all.
If high
pyrroles are
confirmed via
urine or even just
suspected, the treatment
may be the same in any
case. As with many conditions
of poor health, nutrition and lifestyle
needs to be addressed as the first port
of call. Nutritional deficiencies need
to be addressed and specifically in the
case of high pyrroles, this includes
vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium. Yes
deficiencies can be corrected quicker
with appropriate supplementation
however initiating and maintaining a
well balanced, nutrient dense diet and
healthy lifestyle plan long term is the
most important foundation as it’s not just
about treating a test result, but creating
an environment to balance the overall
health and biochemistry of an individual.
With respect to our children, they need
to learn about what real food is, that is
living, fresh, real food and to consider
how much they are putting into their
bodies which their digestive system may
not even identify as food.
For those wanting more information,
an integrative GP or naturopath is
more likely to refer for the pathology
tests looking furt