Pyrroluria test (formerly haemopyrroluria (HPU) test)

Only for Germany and Austria

• We would like to point out that these tests and the shipping processes are optimized for Germany and Austria and are prepaid.
• Samples must be delivered to the German laboratory within 4 days. This cannot be guaranteed for samples shipped from other countries!
• Orders from countries other than Germany and Austria are therefore at your own risk. In this case, we only accept the payment method "Prepayment (directly to us)", as customers cannot then cancel the purchase, e.g., because the sample arrived at the laboratory unusable through their own fault. Purchases made with any other payment methods that customers could unlawfully reverse will be immediately canceled and refunded.
• You can find more information about this from the manufacturer!

Pyrroluria – what does it mean?

Mediveres’ partner, GANZIMMUN Diagnostics, has decided, following extensive investigations and scientific research, to replace the terms cryptopyrroluria (KPU) and haemopyrroluria (HPU) with pyrroluria (PU).

Pyrroles are components of the red blood pigment haemoglobin. A genetically determined enzymatic disorder of haemoglobin metabolism can manifest itself through increased production and excretion of pyrroles (such as crypto- or haemopyrrole) in the urine. This condition is known as pyrroluria (formerly haemopyrroluria, abbreviated to HPU), which affects around 5 to 10 per cent of the population.

In healthy individuals, pyrroles are primarily excreted in the stools. If pyrroles are present in increased amounts in the body, this is a sign of pyrroluria. In this condition, these compounds are excreted not only via the stools but also via the urine. A laboratory can detect an excess of pyrroles using a urine sample.

Furthermore, there is a possibility that pyrroles – particularly when present in large quantities – form complexes with zinc and vitamin B6 in the body. Consequently, these essential nutrients are excreted in increased amounts via the urine, meaning they are no longer sufficiently available to the body as co-factors for numerous bodily functions. In the long term, this can lead to a deficiency in these nutrients and to numerous non-specific symptoms.

Research findings also suggest that pyrroluria may be a potential factor in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or its symptoms. These include, in particular, restlessness, nervousness, problems with concentration, poor impulse control and an excessive need for physical activity. Concerned parents, teachers and doctors are often prompted by these symptoms to search for the cause, but usually without success.

However, studies have shown that 30–40% of affected children exhibit elevated urinary pyrrole excretion. These findings point to a medical link with new therapeutic approaches. In this context, some therapists even report remarkable success in treating ADHD through the administration of zinc, manganese and vitamin B6 supplements; however, this has so far been scarcely documented in mainstream medical literature.

It might therefore be advisable, in the case of children, adolescents and adults where ADHD is suspected, to first carry out a test for pyrroluria or for a deficiency in key vitamins and trace elements. Rather than resorting immediately to medication, alternative therapies such as targeted nutritional supplements could therefore be considered first.

So what is the correct term? Pyrroluria? Haemopyrrolactamuria? Cryptopyrroluria?

Synonyms for pyrroluria

It is important to note that the literature also uses a number of other terms in place of or in connection with ‘pyrroluria’, for example (according to a list from the Robert Koch Institute):

­Pyroluria, pyrroluria, cryptopyroluria, cryptopyrroluria, haemopyrroluria, haemopyrroluria, haemopyrrolactamuria, haemopyrrolactamuria, haemopyrrolactamuria, ­haemopyrrollactamuria, ­­haemopyrrollactamia, ­malvarie­.

How does the pyrroluria test (formerly the haemopyrrol-HPU test) work?

What is measured in the pyrroluria test?

• 1 set of sample collection instructions
• 1 special brown tube, including label and pipette
• 1 urine collection cup
• 1 shipping container
• 1 sample accompanying document
• 1 guarantee document
• 1 dispatch envelope

What are the potential consequences if pyrroluria goes undiagnosed?

The effects of pyrroluria can vary depending on other health factors. This topic is still under discussion in the current literature, leading to differing assessments amongst experts.

The following symptoms (often in combination) are among the signs indicating the need for testing for pyrroluria:

Classic symptoms frequently associated with ADHD include, in particular, an increased urge to move and pronounced restlessness, nervousness, difficulty concentrating and poor impulse control. In addition, low energy levels, exhaustion and headaches may occur. Irritability, anxiety and depression are also possible. Further symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome and pain in muscles and joints. Allergies and food intolerances may also occur. Furthermore, disorders of the immune system and the thyroid gland may arise. Other common symptoms of a vitamin B6 or zinc deficiency include an increased susceptibility to infections, brittle nails, hair loss and increased tiredness. What steps can I take if I am diagnosed with pyrroluria?

If pyrroluria is diagnosed, you can take immediate action. The appropriate treatment varies depending on several factors, including the specific symptoms and their severity. Firstly, it is advisable to consult a doctor or therapist with experience in this area. Depending on the patient, this could be, for example, their GP or paediatrician.

One possible course of action, if a deficiency is identified, is to take targeted supplements of vitamin B6 and/or zinc.

How does the ordering process work?

Once you have placed your order, the test kit you have chosen will be sent to you along with detailed instructions. You place your sample in a sample tube, send it in the provided envelope to Mediveres’ partner laboratory, GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH, and will receive your results, including an assessment of your profile, within 5–7 days.