An Information Sheet of the American Liver Foundation . The information contained in this sheet is provided for information only. This information does not constitute medical advice and it should not be relied upon as such. ALF, under no circumstances, recommends particular treatments for specific individuals, and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician before pursuing any course of treatment. Porphyria Porphyrins are chemical compounds that are stepping stones along the pathway which leads to the formation of heme in man, and to chlorophyll in plants.
Heme is essential if the body is to work properly.
In porphyria, the cells do no convert porphyrins to heme in a normal manner. Because of this, porphyrins build up in the body and are excreted in the urine and stool in excessive amounts. When present in very high levels, they cause the urine to have a spectacular port wine color. The symptoms of porphyria fall into two major groups. Some patients have attacks in which the nerves of the body do not function properly.