Overview

Go to Dr. LaudaDr. Lauda describes Cryptopyrroluria, KPU, or Pyrroluria as a common variation in metabolic pathways associated with zinc and vitamin B6 deficiencies; KPU disrupts enzymatic processes dependent on these essential nutrients, causing problems in many organ systems, including the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters that affect mental function.

According to Go to MosaicDXMosaicDX and Go to Integrative PsychiatryIntegrative Psychiatry, disorders associated with KPU include:

  • ADD/ADHD
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Alcoholism
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety and Mood Disorders
  • Autism/Aspergers
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Depression
  • Digestive Symptoms
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Immune Dysfunction
  • Joint Pain and Inflammation
  • Poor Memory and Concentration
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sensitivity to Light and Sound
  • Sleep Disturbances/Insomnia
  • Stress Intolerance

See also: Go to Dr. Gil WinkelmanDr. Gil Winkelman Go to Mindd FoundationMindd Foundation

Pyrroluria is also called the Mauve factor, pyroluria, kryptopyrrole, or hydroxyhemepyrrolin-2-one (HPL) [Warren2021  🕮 ]. Dr. Weyrich notes that the prefix krypto- or crypto- means hidden and that the suffix -uria means in the urine.

Warren et al. reviewed 16 published clinical trials involving KPU; only 3 of these papers reported a significant correlation between KPU and psychiatric effects. Out of 73 scientific papers reviewed, the authors found no significant correlation between urine levels of KPU and zinc or vitamin B6 in patients with mental disorders. The authors further found no evidence that treating mental disorders with high doses of zinc and vitamin B6 was efficacious.

Dr. Weyrich notes, however, that lack of statistical significance does NOT prove that there is no correlation. It means that given the sample size in the studies, there was less than 95% certainty that an effect exists. Since it is impossible to prove a negative, it cannot be stated that the studies prove that there is no correlation. In other words, further research is necessary.

Go to Dr. LaudaDr. Lauda states, "cryptopyrroluria (KPU) is detected in about 30 to 40% of the population." However, Dr. Weyrich notes that detectable does not imply clinical significance, and caution is necessary when supplementing zinc to treat KPU because excess zinc creates copper deficiency symptoms. Please see the Diagnosis section below for testing protocols.

Diagnosis

Pyrroluria

Go to Jackie LowaterJackie Lowater gives an important overview of Pyrroluria testing. The most crucial thing is to avoid light exposure while collecting and processing the urine sample. This can be done at home in a dark room illuminated only by a Go to red night light red night light.

Dr. Weyrich uses Go to MosaicDXMosaicDX for testing kryptopyrrole.

The Brave Leo Search engine also identifies other labs, such as Go to DHA LaboratoryDHA Laboratory and Go to Integrative PsychiatryIntegrative Psychiatry.

Dr. Weyrich does not recommend testing for pyrroluria; evaluating the functional status of zinc and vitamin B6 is more important. The additional information obtained by testing for pyrroluria is not cost-effective.

Zinc

It is important to evaluate the functional zinc status available to biochemical processes inside cells rather than the zinc levels in either serum or urine. Please see Dr. Weyrich's monograph on zinc.

Copper

It is important to evaluate the functional copper status available to biochemical processes inside cells rather than the copper levels in either serum or urine. Please see Dr. Weyrich's monograph on copper.

Vitamin B6

It is important to evaluate the functional vitamin B6 status available to biochemical processes inside cells rather than the B6 levels in either serum or urine. Please see Dr. Weyrich's monograph on vitamin B6.

References