Posted by Larry Hoover on June 30, 2003, at 5:47:17
In reply to Question for Larry Hoover, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 1:08:46
> Lar, just read this quote on-line, "Omega 3 fatty acids are potentially harmful supplements in someone with pyroluria."
>
> >>>>>>>>>>Given that Pfeiffer diagnosed me as pyroluric with testing procedures that they performed, and then they also put me on fish oil, I don't know what to make of this quote? Any thoughts?I don't know what to make of it, either. The scientific basis for much of Pfeiffer's diagnostic paradigm seems to arise from research done twenty years ago. The problem is, even that research leads to quite the opposite conclusion, as far as I can tell.
The pyrrhole that spills into urine (that's what pyroluria means) in this disorder is derived from omega-6 fatty acids. The diet should be restricted in omega-6 fats, and enhanced in omega-3 fats, to limit the formation of the offending pyrrole, in my opinion.
If the pyrrhole is found in the urine in high concentration, it is most certainly also found in the blood in abnormally high concentration. It binds to zinc and B6, and not only limits their utilization in the body, it also enhances their elimination by dragging them into the urine. (manganese, too, by the way)
I'm almost certainly pyroluric, given the almost perfect correlation of my symptoms and those associated with this syndrome, and my positive response to specific nutrients required to alleviate the condition. However, I disagree with Pfeiffer et al's prohibition against omega-3 supplementation (the general guideline).
Aside: As I've said before, I wish I had come across Pfeiffer's work a long time ago. It would have saved me much time and effort in determining how best to self-treat my own symptoms. In broad strokes, I have come to similar solutions, but for different reasons than Pfeiffer argues. We do not, however, agree on everything.
A few weeks back, a representative of one medical establishment using the Pfeiffer system posted here, and stated that individualized treatment strategies are developed for its clients, based on lab findings, and those recommendations may not be consistent with the general principles given in the website materials. That may simply be a way for them to correct earlier errors in definitions without posting retractions. Pride, ya know.
Use the omega-3s, IMHO. They're good for you in many many ways.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:238043
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/238063.html