Copper deficiency

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Copper deficiency
Synonyms	Hypocupremia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Anemia, neutropenia, osteoporosis, myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy
Complications	Neurological disorders, bone abnormalities
Onset	Variable
Duration	Chronic if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Malabsorption, bariatric surgery, excessive zinc intake
Risks	Gastrointestinal surgery, parenteral nutrition, zinc supplementation
Diagnosis	Blood test for copper levels, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, zinc toxicity
Prevention	Adequate dietary intake of copper, monitoring in at-risk individuals
Treatment	Copper supplementation, dietary modification
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Copper deficiency is a condition that arises due to insufficient copper, a necessary nutrient, in the body. Copper is required for the proper functioning of the body, including the health of nerves, bones, collagen, and the skin pigment melanin. A deficiency in copper can lead to health problems such as anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures, and irregular heartbeat.

Causes

Copper deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Malnutrition: This is the most common cause of copper deficiency. People who are malnourished, either due to a lack of food or a diet that does not provide enough nutrients, can develop a copper deficiency.
• Malabsorption: Some people have conditions that prevent their body from absorbing enough copper. These conditions include Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and other digestive disorders.
• Zinc toxicity: Consuming too much zinc can interfere with the body's ability to absorb copper, leading to a deficiency.
• Genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders can affect the body's ability to metabolize and use copper. These include Menkes disease and Wilson's disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of copper deficiency can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the individual's overall health. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin and lips
• Sensitivity to cold
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent sickness or infection
• Bone fractures
• Irregular heartbeat

Diagnosis

Diagnosing copper deficiency typically involves a physical examination and a series of tests. These tests may include blood tests to measure the level of copper in the body, as well as tests to assess the individual's overall health and to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the deficiency.

Treatment

Treatment for copper deficiency typically involves increasing the amount of copper in the diet. This can be achieved through dietary changes or through the use of supplements. In severe cases, copper injections may be required.

Prevention

Preventing copper deficiency involves ensuring that the diet contains enough copper. Foods that are high in copper include shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, and organ meats. It's also important to avoid consuming too much zinc, as this can interfere with the body's ability to absorb copper.

Gallery

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  Menkes disease symptoms
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  Cytochrome c oxidase complex (Complex IV)
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  Structure of a myelinated neuron