Five Biochemical Biotypes
According to the orthomolecular approach, depression, anxiety, or chronic exhaustion is often driven by one of five measurable biochemical patterns. Each has a characteristic symptom picture, a specific lab test, and targeted nutritional support.
Pyroluria
Chronic loss of zinc and vitamin B6 through the urine. The most common — and most overlooked — cause of anxiety, depression and stress intolerance despite "normal" blood tests.
Undermethylation
Low methylation capacity raises histamine and lowers serotonin. The brain runs rigid and obsessive — with inner tension and seasonal depression. Folate makes it worse.
Overmethylation
Excess methylation lowers histamine and overdrives the serotonin system. The result is panic attacks, insomnia and heightened sensitivity. Folate helps here.
Copper Overload
Free copper converts dopamine into noradrenaline — the nervous system stays permanently on high alert. Typical after childbirth, on hormonal birth control, or during menopause.
Toxic Overload
Toxic burden (lead, mercury, cadmium, mold) disrupts methylation and zinc/copper levels. Frequently seen in ADHD, autism, fibromyalgia and "treatment-resistant" depression.
The same symptoms (fatigue, anxiety, mood swings) can be driven by different underlying biochemistry. Below is an overview of the five patterns from the orthomolecular approach — what's happening in the body and which vitamin belongs with it.
| Biochemical pattern | What's happening in the body | Overview | Vitamin | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyroluria | Low zinc and B6; impaired production of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA | Stress Support | ||
| Histadelia (undermethylation) | Low functional serotonin and dopamine; elevated histamine | Histamin Minus | ||
| Histapenia (overmethylation) | High or poorly regulated serotonin and dopamine; low histamine | Histamin Plus | ||
| Copper overload | Low dopamine with excess norepinephrine; adrenal exhaustion | |||
| Heavy metals (toxic burden) | Toxic burden blocks methylation; neurotransmitter regulation becomes unstable | Stress Support |
low level normal range elevated level
For more on why these biotypes determine which vitamin makes sense, see the article Which antidepressant fits your biotype.
Pyroluria is the most common biotype, and in practice we most often see it either on its own or combined with histadelia, histapenia, or copper overload. Below are the most frequent combinations, the vitamins we recommend for each, and the approximate daily cost for long-term use.
| Case | Test price | Recommended vitamin | Cost / day for long-term use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pyroluria | Pyroluria Test · €99 | €1 | |
| 2 Histadelia | Histamine Test · €149 | €1 | |
| 3 Histapenia | Histamine Test · €149 | €1 | |
| 1 Pyroluria + 3 Histapenia | Pyroluria Test · €99 + Histamine Test · €149 | €1.50 | |
| 1 Pyroluria + 2 Histadelia | Pyroluria Test · €99 + Histamine Test · €149 | €1.50 | |
| 1 Pyroluria + 4 Copper overload | Pyroluria Test · €99 + Cortisol Test · €149 | €1.50 | |
| 1 Pyroluria + 3 Histapenia + 4 Copper overload | Pyroluria Test · €99 + Histamine Test · €149 + Cortisol Test · €149 | €2 | |
| 1 Pyroluria + 2 Histadelia + 4 Copper overload | Pyroluria Test · €99 + Histamine Test · €149 + Cortisol Test · €149 | €2 |
Our free 5-minute screening questionnaire will suggest which biotype (or combination of two) best matches your symptoms — and recommend the first test to start with.
