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 that mean?

Medivere's partner, GANZIMMUN Diagnostics, has decided after 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 as an increased formation and excretion of pyrroles (such as crypto- or haemopyrrole) in the urine. This is referred to as pyrroluria (formerly haemopyrroluria, abbr. HPU), which affects around 5 to 10% of the population.

In healthy individuals, the main excretion of pyrroles occurs via the faeces. If pyrroles occur in increased amounts in the body, this is a sign of pyrroluria. In this case, the excretion of these compounds occurs not only via the faeces but also via the urine. The laboratory can detect an excess of pyrroles from a urine sample.

Furthermore, it is possible that pyrroles – especially when present in large quantities – form complexes with zinc and vitamin B6 in the body. These vital nutrients are then increasingly excreted via the urine, so they are no longer available to the body in sufficient amounts as co-factors for numerous bodily functions. In the long term, this can lead to a deficiency of these nutrients and to numerous nonspecific symptoms.

Research findings also indicate that pyrroluria may be a potential factor in ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or its symptoms. These particularly include restlessness, nervousness, concentration problems, insufficient impulse control and an excessive need for movement. Concerned parents, teachers and doctors are often prompted by this to look for the cause, but usually without success.

However, studies have found that 30–40% of affected children show increased pyrrole excretion in the urine. These results point to a medical connection with new therapeutic approaches. Some therapists even report remarkable success in treating ADHD by administering zinc, manganese and vitamin B6 supplements, although this has been little documented in conventional medical literature to date.

It may therefore be sensible for children, adolescents and adults, in the case of suspected ADHD, to first test for pyrroluria or for a deficiency of important vitamins and trace elements. Instead of immediately resorting 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 several other terms instead of or in connection with “pyrroluria”, for example (according to a listing by the Robert Koch Institute):

­Pyroluria, Pyrroluria, Cryptopyroluria, Cryptopyrroluria, Haemopyrroluria, Hemopyrroluria, Haemopyrrolactamuria, Haemopyrrolaktamuria, Haemopyrrolactamuria, ­Haemopyrrollactamuria, ­­Haemopyrrollactamie, ­Malvarie­.

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

What is measured in the pyrroluria test?

• 1 sample collection instruction leaflet
• 1 brown special tube, incl. label and pipette
• 1 urine cup
• 1 shipping container
• 1 sample accompanying document
• 1 guarantee document
• 1 postage envelope

What consequences can occur if pyrroluria is not recognised?

The consequences of pyrroluria can vary depending on other health particulars. The topic is still debated in the current literature, which leads to differing assessments by experts.

The following complaints (often in combination) are among those that indicate the need for testing for pyrroluria:

Classic symptoms often associated with ADHD are primarily an increased need for movement and pronounced restlessness, nervousness, concentration difficulties and insufficient impulse control. In addition, lack of energy, exhaustion and headaches may occur. Irritability, anxiety and depression are also possible. Other symptoms include irritable bowel complaints as well as muscle and joint pain. Allergies and food intolerances can also occur. Disorders of the immune system and the thyroid gland may additionally arise. Other common complaints associated with a deficiency of vitamin B6 or zinc are increased susceptibility to infections, brittle nails, hair loss and increased fatigue. What measures can I take if the diagnosis is pyrroluria?

If it turns out that pyrroluria is present, you can act immediately. The appropriate therapy varies depending on several factors, including the specific complaints and their severity. First, it is advisable to consult a physician or therapist with experience. Depending on the patient, this may be, for example, the family doctor or the paediatrician.

One possible response, if a deficit or deficiency is identified, is to administer vitamin B6 and/or zinc in a targeted manner.

How does the ordering process work?

After your order, the requested test package with detailed instructions will be sent to you. You put your sample into a sample container, send it in a prepared envelope to Medivere's partner laboratory GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH and receive a report with the assessment of your profile after 5–7 days.