HPU or KPU is a metabolic disorder in which the synthesis of heme is disrupted. This leads to the production of metabolic byproducts that cause significant loss of micronutrients during excretion. These are excreted in the urine, mainly depleting vitamin B6 and zinc.
A deficiency in these micronutrients can result in a wide range of symptoms and health issues. HPU/KPU is associated with reduced metabolic performance, which can affect physical, mental, and emotional health.
This metabolic disorder can be genetic but may also be acquired through factors such as heavy metal poisoning, cervical spine trauma, or infectious diseases. Symptoms and related conditions can be triggered or worsened by stressors such as infections, chronic stress, emotional trauma, surgeries, heavy metals, environmental toxins, chemicals, medications, excessive sun exposure, diets, or intermittent fasting.
In my experience, the human being is a holistic system that must be approached from multiple angles for true healing. That’s why I see HPU/KPU as more than just a metabolic disorder – it is part of a bigger picture. I speak from personal experience and years of dealing with this complex of symptoms (intentionally choosing not to call it a “disease”).
The more HPU patients I have seen over the years, the more I asked myself, “which came first – the chicken or the egg?” Very often we find complex attachment trauma or childhood trauma. From this, coping strategies often develop, shaped by behavioral patterns and personality traits. Physically, symptoms in the cervical spine and atlas blockages are frequently observed. This once again confirms to me that treating illness, symptoms, or disorders of any kind requires a holistic approach. Simply taking micronutrients will not be enough – though it can offer a crucial and helpful starting point for further healing.
In HPU and KPU, the synthesis of heme is disrupted. This means insufficient heme is produced, leading to deficits in all areas that rely on heme, such as detoxification in the liver, hemoglobin synthesis, mitochondrial ATP production, and muscle development.
This explains why people with HPU/KPU often suffer from physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion and fatigue.
At the same time, “toxic” heme byproducts are created, which can only be excreted when bound to zinc, active vitamin B6, and manganese. This depletes the body of essential micronutrients. The resulting symptoms and related conditions are diverse. I have particularly observed general glandular weakness.
Common symptoms of HPU/KPU may include:
Testing for HPU/KPU is performed using a urine sample.
Treatment of HPU/KPU typically involves supplementing the micronutrients that are lost due to the condition. These primarily include zinc, active vitamin B6, manganese, and magnesium. Personally, I don’t consider the treatment complete with supplementation alone – even though it can significantly improve symptoms. A holistic approach that considers the person as a whole is essential to me. This also includes a treatment concept that takes trauma, life circumstances, and the patient’s personality into account.