Copper Deficiency / Hypocupremia

Copper Metabolism - Overview

Copper is an essential trace element needed for several vital functions. However, its level should be tightly regulated as an accumulation of copper in tissues can cause serious organ damage. This balance is maintained through excretion of excess copper through the bile into feces.

Dietary copper is absorbed from the upper small intestine and transported to the liver bound to protein albumin. From the liver, it is transported to the peripheral tissues bound to a protein ceruloplasmin (nearly 95%) and a small amount bound to albumin. Free copper is highly toxic and hence it is tightly bound to proteins.

What is Copper Deficiency?

Copper deficiency (also known as hypocupremia) occurs as a result of inadequate consumption or poor absorption of copper in the diet.

The major symptoms of copper deficiency include neuropathy, unsteady gait, spasticity of muscles, and, sometimes, anemia. Copper deficiency can also occur after gastric bypass surgery and administration of parenteral nutrition over long periods. The deficiency can sometimes occur in children that results in stunted growth, weakened bones, and anemia.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of copper in adults is 900 µg/day.

Advertisement

Prevalence of Copper Deficiency

Copper deficiency can occur due to certain underlying conditions. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of copper deficiency around the globe. The available latest figures are presented below:

• An Indian study found that the prevalence of copper deficiency can be as high as 30% in Indians suffering from hair loss.
• A study from Chile found that the prevalence of copper deficiency was 2.3% in Chilean women of childbearing age.
• A study from USA found that patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery exhibited a prevalence of copper deficiency of 9.6%.

Advertisement

Functions of Dietary Copper

• Improves absorption of iron
• Improves brain function
• Maintains healthy metabolism
• Maintains bone and joint health
• Promotes healthy skin
• Alleviates throat infections
• Helps in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells (RBC)
• Promotes heart health
• Boosts immune function

Dietary Sources of Copper

Copper is the third most abundant mineral in the human body, all of which need to be obtained from the diet. Some copper-rich foods include the following:

• Bananas
• Zucchini
• Liver
• Oysters
• Fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans

What are the Causes of Copper Deficiency?

Copper deficiency can be caused by several factors. The major ones are highlighted below:

• Bariatric Surgery: This type of surgery is also known as gastric bypass surgery and is aimed at weight reduction for obese patients. Since the normal pathway of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is altered, the absorption of copper, vitamin B₁₂, iron and other micronutrients are appreciably hampered.
• Zinc Toxicity: Zinc is contained in most multivitamin/micronutrient supplements. Therapeutically, zinc is used for treating various ailments, including sinusitis, celiac disease, sickle cell anemia, as well as ulcers. Zinc is also a component of denture creams. Too much use of zinc for medical applications can cause copper deficiency.
• Menkes Disease: This is also called Kinky Hair Syndrome, a hereditary disease, which occurs due to a defective gene. It is characterized by weak muscle tone, seizures, low body temperature and steel colored rough hair. Menkes disease is usually fatal and causes abnormalities in copper metabolism, leading to copper deficiency.

Advertisement

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Copper Deficiency?

Copper deficiency exhibits a wide variety of symptoms. The major ones are listed below:

• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Hypochromic anemia
• Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Loss of coordination
• Depression
• Neutropenia
• Neuropathy – numbness, tingling sensation

• Osteoporosis / brittle bones
• Abnormally white or gray hair
• Arthritis
• Falling ill frequently
• Unexplained weight loss
• Skin inflammation, bruising, and sores
• Stunted growth and development in children
• Muscle and joint pain

How do you Diagnose Copper Deficiency?

The bulk of the copper (95%) circulating in the blood is bound to ceruloplasmin. Estimation of ceruloplasmin also gives an idea of the amount of copper present in the sample. Copper is tested by a blood or urine test.

Copper and/or ceruloplasmin is tested in the following samples:

• Copper in plasma (normal range 70 to 140 micrograms per deciliter)
• Copper in urine (24-hour urine sample)
• Ceruloplasmin in plasma
• Liver biopsy (rare)

In copper deficiency, low levels of copper are noted in blood, urine and liver biopsy samples. This is associated with low ceruloplasmin levels in the blood.

How do you Treat Copper Deficiency?

Treatment of copper deficiency involves either parenteral (through an IV channel) or oral copper supplementation until normal copper levels in the blood are achieved.

A common copper formulation is copper sulfate. In India, it is sold under the Brand Name Fersolate-CM, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Fersolate-CM is a combination of ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, and manganese sulfate monohydrate.

Drug Interaction with Copper

Copper interacts with the following major drugs:

• Penicillamine: Copper interacts strongly with penicillamine, which is used to treat Wilson’s disease. In this disease, excess copper builds-up in the organs. The drug binds the copper and excretes it through the urine.
• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen have been reported to interact with copper, as a result of which the anti-inflammatory effects are increased appreciably.
• Oral Contraceptives and HRT: Women taking oral contraceptives or those undergoing post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen can cause a rise in the serum levels of copper. Therefore, copper supplements must be avoided while undergoing these types of therapy.
• Cimetidine: This drug is used to treat gastric ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Cimetidine can cause a rise in the serum levels of copper, which can lead to liver damage.
• Nifedipine: This drug is a calcium channel blocker and is used to treat angina and high blood pressure (hypertension). Nifedipine can cause depletion of copper in RBCs upon prolonged use.
• Allopurinol: This drug is used in the treatment of gout. Studies suggest that allopurinol can decrease the serum levels of copper.
• Zinc: Studies have suggested that prolonged zinc supplementation in the diet could hamper the absorption of copper in the intestine, leading to a depletion of copper stores in the body.