Understanding Anxiety and Pyrrole Disorder: Testing, Nutrients, and Natural Support- By Sandi Ross Naturopath
What is Pyrrole Disorder?
Pyrrole disorder, also known as Pyroluria or Mauve Factor, is a biochemical condition where the body produces excess hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL), a byproduct of haemoglobin synthesis. This excess HPL binds to essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and magnesium, leading to deficiencies that can impact mental health, particularly increasing symptoms of anxiety, mood swings, and emotional dysregulation.
People with pyrrole disorder often experience:
- Chronic anxiety or inner tension
- Poor stress tolerance
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Poor dream recall
- Irritability or mood swings
- Digestive issues, poor appetite
- White spots on nails (zinc deficiency)
This condition is genetic and is often linked to methylation issues, histamine imbalances, and copper dysregulation, which can further impact brain chemistry and stress response.
How to Test for Pyrroles
The most reliable way to test for pyrrole disorder is through a urinary pyrrole test, which measures the levels of HPL excreted in the urine.
Important testing considerations:
- The urine sample must be protected from light to prevent HPL degradation. A dark container or immediate refrigeration is ideal.
- The test is most accurate when symptoms are at their worst, such as during high stress.
- Some people with high oxidative stress may have false negatives, so retesting may be beneficial.
Blood Tests That Can Help Assess Pyrrole Disorder
While pyrrole testing is done via urine, blood tests can provide additional insights into nutrient imbalances commonly seen in people with pyrrole disorder.
- Zinc & Copper Ratio – People with pyrrole disorder often have low zinc and high copper, contributing to anxiety, overstimulation, and nervous system dysregulation.
- Ceruloplasmin – This protein binds to copper; low levels can indicate free, unbound copper, which can cause mood instability and overwhelm.
- Plasma Histamine – Histamine plays a role in methylation. High histamine levels may suggest undermethylation, commonly seen in people with pyrrole disorder and anxiety.
- Vitamin B6 & Magnesium – Often depleted in pyrrole disorder, leading to poor neurotransmitter balance and increased stress sensitivity.
Best Foods for Pyrrole Disorder
Since pyrrole disorder depletes essential nutrients, diet plays a huge role in stabilising mood, reducing anxiety, and improving stress resilience.
- Zinc-Rich Foods: Oysters, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, eggs, cashews, chickpeas
- Vitamin B6 Foods: Poultry, salmon, bananas, sunflower seeds, spinach, avocado
- Magnesium-Rich Foods: Dark leafy greens, almonds, cacao, lentils, buckwheat
- Choline for Brain Health: Eggs, grass-fed liver, wild-caught fish
- Omega-3s to Reduce Inflammation: Wild-caught salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds
Foods to Avoid:
- High copper foods (chocolate, shellfish, nuts, mushrooms) if copper is elevated
- Processed sugar (can worsen oxidative stress and nutrient depletion)
- Excess caffeine & alcohol (increase anxiety and deplete key minerals)
Best Supplements for Pyrrole Disorder
Since nutrient depletion is at the core of pyrrole disorder, supplementation can help correct imbalances and reduce anxiety.
- Zinc Picolinate or Zinc Bisglycinate – Highly absorbable forms to restore zinc levels and balance copper.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine or P5P) – Helps with neurotransmitter production (serotonin & dopamine) and reduces irritability, PMS, and anxiety.
- Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Threonate – Supports calmness, sleep, and nervous system regulation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Anti-inflammatory and supports brain function and mood stability.
- NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – Helps with detoxification, oxidative stress, and brain function.
- Taurine – Helps regulate excess copper and calms the nervous system.
Pyrrole disorder is often overlooked in mental health conditions, but for many, addressing nutrient imbalances, gut health, and oxidative stress can significantly improve anxiety, mood stability, and overall well-being. If you suspect pyrrole disorder, testing can provide clarity, and a targeted nutrition and supplement plan can help rebalance the system naturally.