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Are you just moody or could you have Pyrroles Disorder?


 

Do you know that moody friend, or family member that can be beaming rays of sunshine one minute, then oozing black moods and taking a swipe at you the next? Perhaps this is something you’re struggling with yourself, but your doctor has written you off as suffering depression or anxiety and simply prescribed an antidepressant. Well before you write off your friend or family member, or even yourself as just being ‘moody’ or depressed, you may want to consider that there maybe something biochemical at play, and no I’m not talking about a split personality disorder! I’m talking about an easily diagnosable and largely treatable condition known as pyrrole disorder.

What is pyrrole disorder?

Pyrrole disorder or Pyroluria, is a hereditary condition caused by the abnormal synthesis and metabolism of the haemoglobin molecule – which is responsible for carrying oxygen in your blood. The by-product of haemoglobin is a metabolite known as hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL) – also known as pyrrole, that binds with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and zinc. A person suffering from Pyrrole disorder produces excessive amounts of HPL, which in turn binds to, or inhibits the absorption and utilisation of specific nutrients.

The main nutrients the body fails to absorb and utilise in Pyrrole's disorder are:

  • Vitamin B6

  • Biotin

  • Magnesium

  • Zin

Deficiencies in these three essential nutrients can be the underlying cause of a combination of symptoms that will vary in each individual. But before you ask if taking a B complex supplement is enough to combat the symptoms of Pyrroles disorder, bear in mind that sufferers have much higher needs for these individual nutrients than what is contained in a B complex, so they will need to supplement with additional zinc, B6, biotin and magnesium.

Upon testing patients, I also find many sufferers also require additional vitamin D, along with other individual nutrients like iron, vitamin C and sometimes iodine – to help promote positive mood, metabolism and energy. I also find many sufferers of Pyrrole's disorder concurrently test positive to the MTHFR gene defect. You can read more about the effects of this here.

So what are some of the ramifications of the nutrient deficiencies associated with Pyrroles disorder? Well considering that magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate a diverse range of biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation, you could say it ranks as one of the most important minerals for maintaining optimal health. Magnesium is also a natural calmative and muscle relaxant, effective for promoting restful sleep, mood, regular bowel function and healthy cardiovascular function.

B6 is necessary for the production of red blood cells and increases energy levels and helps to optimise cognitive function, not to mention helps us to cope with the effects of stress. A deficiency in B6 will often cause inflammation, depression, and in some cases anaemia – something I see in a vast majority of my patients.

Zinc is vital for memory, concentration, cellular growth and repair, healthy immune defenses and digestion. A deficiency in zinc can lead to leaky gut syndrome, poor immunity and hormonal imbalances – in particular reproductive hormones.

Major signs and symptoms of pyrrole disorder:

  • depression

  • fatigue

  • insomnia, wrestless sleep

  • constipation / IBS

  • larger midsection

  • learning difficulties – ADHD

  • cognitive dysfunction – Autism

  • addictions – alcoholism

  • mood swings

  • anxiety, panic attacks

  • food sensitivities

  • poor concentration and memory

  • sensitivity to light and sound