Description
Kryptopyrroluria
Kryptopyrroluria is a biochemical variant in which the factor cryptopyrrol is present in the urine of the patient in an increased amount. The simplest definition is that cryptopyrroluria is a double deficiency of minimal zinc and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, which cannot be supplemented with the diet.
Kryptopyrrol
Kryptopyrrol is also referred to as KP, mauve factor or 2,4 dimethyl-3-ethylpyrrole. The urinary excretion of free cryptopyrrol ranges from 0 to 500 mcg%, and is increased in stress in the broadest sense of the word. The normal range is 0-20 mcg percent. 5% of healthy people have an increased cryptopyrrol. This mainly concerns women.
Symptoms with pyrroluria
The following symptoms may occur with cryptopyrroluria:
tremors
pale appearance (pale, pigmentless skin)
muscle spasm
shivers and fever
exposure to sunlight: itching, no brown complexion
white spots on the nails
bad tooth enamel
photophobia
upper incisors close together
stretch marks on thighs, breasts, hips
breath and body odor (breath: aldehydes, sweet smell) malformation knee cartilage
(morning) nausea
joint pains
constipation / diarrhea
impotence
(high) abdominal pain
hypoglycaemia
painful spleen
anemia
improvement in fasting
intolerance to barbiturates / medicines
no dream reminder
suicidal
disperception
depression
irregular menstruation or amenorrhea
The above symptoms are not characteristic of cryptopyrroluria. However, when these symptoms occur combined, the chance of cryptopyrroluria is greater.
Kryptopyrrol forms a complex with pyridoxal-5-phosphate and thereby also removes vitamin B6 from the body. Anorexia and / or (morning) nausea, edema formation and fungal nails can be a sign of vitamin B6 deficiency.
Stress
Stress of any kind can cause zinc loss. In some people, stress can also cause urinary cryptopyrrol secretion, which also causes zinc and vitamin B6 loss through the urine. However, these are very low concentrations. Characteristics of zinc deficiency are white spots on the nails and a loss of sense of smell and taste.
Fasting
A number of people with high cryptopyrrol levels in the urine feel better during a period of fasting. The cryptopyrol value decreases during this period. It is not impossible that the intestines are also a source of cryptopyrrol. Intestinal flora is subject to change during fasting.
Gluten hypersensitivity
There are indications that the majority of people with elevated cryptopyrrol levels in the urine have gluten hypersensitivity at the same time. However, little is known about a possible underlying mechanism.
Considering the possible relationship, it is advisable to perform a gluten hypersensitivity test in addition to a cryptopyrrol test. This test should focus on total gluten and not only on alpha gliadin from wheat.
Familial condition
A striking feature of cryptopyrroluria is that it occurs mainly in families in which especially girls occur. Miscarriages in these families are often boys. Even stillbirths or children with birth defects are often boys.
In general, a normal life is led until puberty or adolescence. After that age, psychic problems such as depression, suicide disperceptions and hallucinations can occur, especially during periods of stress.
Research and treatment of pyrroluria
With the help of a laboratory test, cryptopyrrol can be analyzed in the urine. A small amount of urine is sufficient for this, where the preservative ascorbic acid must be added.
A patient with elevated cryptopyrrol (> 0.06 units) in the urine may need 2000 mg of vitamin B6 daily to normalize the urinary cryptopyrrol secretion.
Treatment with supplements of vitamin B6 and zinc have been successful for the disappearance of a number of schizophrenia-like symptoms. The breath no longer smells of aldehydes.
Zinc and vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) therapy, combined with manganese supplementation, can also produce results within 24 hours of pyrroluria, and improvement can be observed in a week’s time. Total recovery can take 3 to 4 months. The biochemical dysbalance and symptoms will come back within 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of the supplementation.
People with cryptopyrrol in their urine (pyrolurics) have repeatedly indicated that they have no dream memory. With sufficient vitamin B6 and zinc supplementation, there is dream memory. When the vitamin B6 dose is too high or especially during the evening meal is taken, however, the dreams are so lively that one wakes up and can not sleep. In these cases, the supplementation must be reduced.
Pyrroluria can occur together with other dysbalances such as histocytosis, histemia, increased copper content or cerebral allergies. In these cases recovery will occur less quickly.
