Our innovative research projects
Bio Balance Health (BBH) train doctors in the measurement of biochemistry and biomarkers associated with mental health symptoms. Our research projects aim to fill a critical resource gap in current psychiatry care.
While the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) serves as the manual used by psychiatrists, it primarily focuses on symptom classification, providing limited guidance on treatment strategies. This highlights the need for other approaches that address the underlying physiological changes contributing to mental health symptoms.
At BBH, we support and fund research at leading universities to validate the use of the biochemistry and biomarkers in mental health assessment and treatment. Our research endeavours to increase understanding of the physiology mechanisms underlying mental health symptoms and explore effective strategies for repair and management. By enhancing knowledge in this area, we aim to improve outcomes for patients around the world who are struggling with mental health.
BBH supported research has demonstrated the following:
- Pyrroles as a Potential Biomarker for Oxidative Stress Disorders. (Voisey,Lambert1)
- Violent boys respond to nutraceuticals. (Hambly2)
- The addition of nutraceutical treatment can reduce annual hospitalisations from 20 days to 2 days per year. (Stuckey3)
- Brain specific epigenetic changes in schizophrenia. (Voisey4)
- Schizophrenia can be confirmed to high probability with a combination of biochemistry, biomarkers, and sensory measures. (Fryar-Williams5)
- Measures of several waste products in urine (not found in healthy patients) give severity and treatment response for a variety of physiological changes whose symptoms may mimic mental health. Molecular validation of chemical pathways indicates source of waste product. (Lambert 6)
- B6, in high doses, has no role in managing mental health. B6 is not related to high urinary pyrroles. (Lambert 6)
- Epigenetic changes in veterans with PTSD are transferred to their offspring. (Voisey7)
QUT / BBH Research Study: Can nutraceuticals improve symptoms and alter epigenetics for a variety of mental health conditions
BBH are actively engaged in collaborative research efforts with Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This interdisciplinary research involves cross-correlating pathology, nutraceutical treatment, psychiatric drug therapy, and other measures with epigenetic changes to develop more personalised and effective interventions for patients suffering with mental health symptoms.
Urinary pyrroles and mental health symptoms
BBH supported the only known research to validate components measured in the urinary pyrroles test and how they relate to mental health symptoms. The laboratory which conducted this research is Applied Analytical Laboratories (AAL). The world first paper from this research was published in February 2023 titled “Pyrroles as a Potential Biomarker for Oxidative Stress Disorders“. Published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences as part of the Special Issue: Molecular Mechanisms of Schizophrenia and Novel Targets 2.0 and is available online: https://bit.ly/IJMS-PyrrolesOxidativeStressBiomarker
AAL Urinary Pyrroles Testing has resulted in enhanced testing methodologies, leading to clearer results and better outcomes for patients. The urinary pyrroles test, recommended as part of a suite of initial pathology testing for patients with mental health symptoms, provides valuable insights into underlying metabolic issues and helps guide treatment decisions.
Since validation of this test, research opportunities have opened up. We invite you to join us in our mission to revolutionise mental health care through groundbreaking research and innovative approaches. Your support enables us to continue conducting vital research that enhances the lives of patients affected by mental health disorders. To learn more about specific research projects or to contribute to our research efforts, please contact us at info@biobalance.org.au or click here to donate.
1 Pyrroles as a Potential Biomarker for Oxidative Stress Disorders
Brett Lambert, Annalese Semmler, Cristina Beer and Joanne Voisey
https://bit.ly/IJMS-PyrrolesOxidativeStressBiomarker
2 Micronutrient Therapy for Violent Aggressive Male Youth
Jessica L. Hambly, MPharm (Hons),1 Kelly Francis, MBBS, FRACGP,2 Sohil Khan, PhD,1,3
Kristen S. Gibbons, PhD, AStat,3 William J. Walsh, PhD,4 Brett Lambert, MAppSc,5
Chris Testa, BPharm, BBus,6 and Alison Haywood, PhD1,3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28481642
3 The Effectiveness of Targeted Nutrient Therapy in Treatment of Mental Illness
Richard Stuckey, MB.BS., DRCOG; William Walsh, PhD; Brett Lambert
https://www.biobalance.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Effectiveness-of-Targeted-Nutrient-Therapy-1.pdf
4 Brain-specific epigenetic markers of schizophrenia
VLJ Whitehall, RM Young, J Voisey
https://www.nature.com/articles/tp2015177
5Biomarker Case-Detection and Prediction with Potential for Functional Psychosis Screening: Development and Validation of a Model Related to Biochemistry, Sensory Neural Timing and End Organ Performance.
Fryar-Williams S, Strobel JE.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27148083
6 Science of Pyrroles in Urine
Brett Lambert, Chief Scientist, Applied Analytical Laboratories
https://www.biobalancehealtheducation.com.au/register/the-science-of-pyrroles/
7 DNA methylation from germline cells in veterans with PTSD
Divya Mehta 1, Elise S Pelzer 2, Dagmar Bruenig 3, Bruce Lawford 2, Sarah McLeay 4, Charles P Morris 2, John N Gibson 4, Ross McD Young 5, Joanne Voisey 2; PTSD Initiative
J Psychiatr Res
. 2019 Sep:116:42-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.06.001. Epub 2019 Jun 6.
