Kryptopyrrole testing is a specialized urine test we use to evaluate patients with psychiatric symptoms. This is an essential component of our workup because pyrrole disorders are one of the most common treatable conditions associated with the whole spectrum of mental health issues, from Schizophrenia to Autism, Anxiety and Depression, as well as Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. 

Kryptopyrrole Testing

Pyrroles are naturally occurring compounds in the body. While pyrroles are often associated with hemoglobin metabolism, the exact mechanism by which they are produced in the body is not fully understood. 

Normally, pyrroles are present in very small amounts. In this case, they are likely harmless or may even have an important physiological role. However, some individuals produce excess pyrroles, which they excrete in the urine, a condition called “pyrroluria” (from the Latin “uria,” meaning urine).  Kryptopyrroles are a specific group of pyrrole compounds that can be detected in the urine and used to diagnose pyrroluria. 

Excess pyrrole production has physiologic and neuropsychiatric implications because pyrroles bind tightly to zinc and vitamin B6. As a result of this binding, complexes are formed, and Vitamin B6 and zinc are rapidly eliminated from the body. This leads to functional deficiencies of both key nutrients. Furthermore, pyrroluria is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (corrosive damage to cells resulting from chemical reactions). 

The symptoms most classically associated with pyrroluria include poor short-term memory, difficulty recalling dreams, poor reading retention, sensory sensitivity (especially to bright lights or strong smells), and stress intolerance. Pyrroluria has also been associated with anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, mood swings, phobias, executive dysfunction, and delusions in schizophrenia. A huge range of neuropsychiatric symptoms may be related to pyrroluria due to biochemical individuality. 

Individuals who produce pyrroles excessively produce even more pyrroles under stress, which leads to poor coping and diminished resilience. Other symptoms may include acne, loss of taste, inability to tan, poor wound healing, early grey hair, poor immunity, or white spots on the fingernails. 

If Pyrroluria causes low B6 and zinc, why not just measure B6 and zinc in blood? 

Primary deficiency occurs when a nutrient is low due to inadequate supply. Secondary deficiency occurs when a nutrient is available, but absorption, utilization, or retention is impaired. Pyrroluria causes a secondary deficiency. The problem becomes nutrient retention, and blood levels don’t reflect it. In general, blood levels of vitamin B6 and zinc are often unreliable. 

How It Works 

Kryptopyrroles testing is done through DHA Labs. Once your order is placed, DHA Labs will contact you to request payment information. The test costs $145. It is not covered by insurance. 

While this testing incurs additional expense, it is an essential part of a comprehensive workup for psychiatric disorders. In about 30% of patients with mental health conditions, this test comes back positive. When this test is positive, it gives us very clear, actionable information. We can target treatment precisely. Often, with something as straightforward as specific forms of vitamin B6 and zinc, leading to meaningful improvements in quality of life. 

How to Prepare for Testing

This test requires a fasting, second-morning urine sample. Fasting means no food or caloric beverages for at least 8–12 hours prior to sample collection. Water is permitted. However, you should avoid excessive hydration, as this could potentially dilute your specepin. 

Fasting helps reduce short-term fluctuations in metabolic byproducts that can occur after eating, allowing the test to more accurately reflect baseline physiology rather than the immediate effects of a recent meal. Second-morning urine means skipping your first urination after waking and collecting the next one. 

Discontinue vitamins and supplements 48 hours prior to collection. You must also be completely off antibiotics before completing this test. It is especially important to avoid Vitamin B6, zinc, and biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements prior to testing. 

The urine sample must be protected from light and frozen immediately after collection. Keep it frozen until shipment. Proper handling is essential, as several compounds measured in this test are sensitive to heat and light exposure.