Pyroluria is a little-known condition that can have a wide range of health implications, both mental and physical. Because this condition impacts the levels of certain nutrients in the body, it is necessary to determine if you have pyroluria. Though fish oil is often indicated for several ailments, it may not be safe to take this supplement if you have pyroluria. See your doctor as soon as possible to test for this condition.
Identification
Pyroluria is an illness related to a chemical called kryptopyrrole, which an estimated 5 percent of Americans excrete, according to health educator Jack Challem in his book, "Feed Your Genes Right." The excretion of this chemical can increase tremendously when under psychological stress or mental illness, and kryptopyrrole binds to zinc and vitamin B-6, excreting them from the body. This causes a deficiency in both nutrients, which impacts neurotransmitters and DNA synthesis and repair, and can lead to symptoms including depression, fatigue, lethargy and greater stress.
Fish Oil
Fish oil, and the omega-3 fatty acids contained within it, is important for many reasons. These include proper brain function and inhibiting dementia, notes medical journalist Jean Carper in the book, "100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss." Fish oil is also important for healthy skin, heart health and for fighting inflammation. There are often too many omega-6 fatty acids in the American diet from vegetable oils, to the detriment of omega-3 intake. Fish oil supplementation can help to balance the two.
Fish oil and pyroluria
Fish oil is not indicated for pyroluria. This is because fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and if you are dealing with pyroluria, low levels of omega-6 fatty acids are the problem, according to health writer Stephanie Marohn in her book, "The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder." Along with supplementing zinc and vitamin B-6, oils high in omega-6, such as primrose oil or borage oil, should be taken instead of fish oil.
Considerations
If you think you are dealing with pyroluria, see your doctor for a diagnosis. This can be a serious condition which impacts your emotional and psychological life. Do not supplement with large doses of zinc, vitamin B-6 or omega-6 oils if you are not sure that you have pyroluria and have been directed to by your doctor. If you are currently taking fish oil and find out you have pyroluria, stop taking it immediately.
References
- Feed Your Genes Right; Jack Challem
- 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss; Jean Carper
- The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder; Stephanie Marohn
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