Why is a Copper Deficiency Dangerous?

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals create stress in the body, which can lead to a variety of serious symptoms. Because most vitamins and minerals take part in critical reactions, it’s important to correct a deficiency state. One mineral that’s integral to good health that most people fail to consider is copper. What are the symptoms of copper deficiency in humans – and why is copper so important?

Why is a Deficiency of Copper Concerning?

Copper is a trace mineral that the body needs only in small amounts – but don’t underestimate the importance of it. The body needs copper for the synthesis of various enzymes and protein including the enzyme ceruloplasmin that carries iron in the blood stream. Because of this role, it’s not surprising that a deficiency of copper causes anemia. It’s also involved in the production of hormones, including epinephrine and norephinephrine – and plays a role in the production of collagen.

Lack of Copper: How Common is a Copper Deficiency?

There’s little consensus on this. Some studies show that up to twenty percent of the population has a lack of copper, while others show copper deficiency to be far less common. Most people who develop a copper deficiency either have problems absorbing it due to intestinal disease or don’t metabolize it properly. People who undergo gastric bypass surgery for weight loss sometimes develop a copper deficiency due to poor absorption.

Another way that a person can end up with a copper deficiency is by getting too much zinc in supplement form. Zinc competes for the absorption of copper by the intestines, so less copper is absorbed in the presence of large quantities zinc. There are cases of people becoming copper deficient after using large amounts of denture adhesive, because it contains zinc. Needless to say, people who take supplemental zinc should do it only with close monitoring.

Symptoms of Copper Deficiency in Humans

What are the signs and symptoms of copper deficiency? Since copper is important for producing ceruloplasmin, the protein that transports iron in the bloodstream, some of the symptoms of copper deficiency come from a lack of available iron. The most common is anemia, or a low red blood cell count. Copper deficiency can also cause a decrease in white blood cell numbers, which can affect immunity to infection.

Lack of copper also affects the central nervous system and spinal cord and can mimic the symptoms of B12 deficiency. A person deficient in copper may experience demyelination of nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to sensory changes, loss of sensation, difficulty walking, tremor, loss of balance, difficulty swallowing, problems speaking, and depression. The symptoms of a copper deficiency in humans can mimic those of multiple sclerosis.

A person with a lack of copper may also feel fatigued, feel nauseated, and lose pigment in their skin and hair.

 The Bottom Line?

Anyone who has these symptoms should see their doctor. A copper deficiency can be picked up through testing copper levels and by measuring levels of ceruloplasmin. This is important since the neurological symptoms may only be reversible in the early stages. The sooner this is done, the more quickly low copper stores can be replenished – and the symptoms relieved.

References:

Medscape.com website. “When Metals Compete: A Case of Copper-Deficiency Myeloneuropathy and Anemia: Discussion of Diagnosis”