Pyrroles are a normal byproduct of RBC production. However, at times, some individuals produce too many pyrroles which can be measured through urine. Kryptopyrroles have an affinity for zinc and B6, thus depleting the bodies source. This deficiency in B6 and zinc will directly affect the copper levels in the body, because zinc and copper are inversely proprotionate. Low zinc = high copper. Copper is very toxic to the body and zinc and B6 are important cofactors for several enzymatic processes.

This can lead to an array of symptoms including anxiety, depression, joint pain, gut issues.

It has been said that there is no direct link between Pyrrole disorder and MTHFR. However, it will affect the overall methylation status because B6 and zinc are vital to some methylation/demethylation enzymes. Also, it has been shown that copper can also inhibit some of these enzymes.

Our recommendation is to consider the testing for Pyrrole disorder. The treatment will be directed at maintaining proper zinc and B6 levels which in turn will lower the copper toxicity. This must be done cautiously and in my opinion, with guidance as to avoid excessive copper dumping.

If you are interested in testing for Pyrrole disorder, we recommend a few tests: serum zinc, copper, and ceruloplasmin to allow us to measure the percentage of unbound and bound copper.