What Is Calcium?

C alcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% residing in teeth and bones where it constitutes 40% of skeletal bone weight along with 45% phosphorus.

As a component of hard tissues, calcium fulfills a structural role to maintain body size and acts as attachments for musculoskeletal tissues.

Q: What does the non-skeleton calcium do in the body?

A: The remaining 1% of calcium is present in blood and soft tissues. Calcium levels in the blood are maintained within very strict limits by dietary intake, hormonal regulation and a rapidly exchangeable pool in bone tissue. The many important functions are described below.

What Is Calcium Deficiency In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

An immune based disease of the adrenal glands characterized by failure to produce adrenocortical hormones.

A form of arthritis associated with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as celiac disease, characterized by peripheral joint disease.

A feature of calcium deficiency. Bone pain associated with demineralization (bone thinning) is due to severe hyperparathyroidism.

A debilitating illness characterized by persistent or relapsing overwhelming and incapacitating fatigue not relieved by rest, having a definite onset and often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various body systems.  

A chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intensely itchy, red skin eruptions appearing on the extensor surfaces of the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, or scalp associated with sensitivity of the small intestsine to gluten in… 

What Is Copper Deficiency?

C opper is an essential trace element that is required for a number of enzymes which are necessary for normal metabolic function.

In the body almost all the copper is present as a component of copper proteins which are produced and controlled by the liver.

Q: How does the liver control copper?

A: The liver maintains proper copper balance by binding free copper to proteins and by excreting excess copper as part of bile that is then emptied into the intestinal tract and excreted in stool.

Metabolic balance studies have demonstrated that daily copper losses are approximately 1.3 mg/day.¹

Among its specific functions listed below, copper is essential for energy production, blood and nerve functions, blood components, immunity, and collagen tissue. The copper enzyme, lysyl oxidase, is involved in the cross-linking of collagen in forming the framework for depositing calcium and other minerals to build and repair bone.

Animal studies suggest that adequate copper levels during pregnancy are critical to development of higher brain function in the offspring.²

What Is Copper Deficiency In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

1. Williams DM. Copper deficiency in humans. Semin Hematol. 1983 Apr; 20(2):118-28. [↩]
2. Fisgin T, Yarali N, Duru F, Usta B, Kara A. Hematologic manifestation of childhood celiac disease. Acta Haematol. 2004;111(4):211-4. [↩]

A rare malignant tumor of the small intestine comprising only 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies.

Indicates an abnormal blood level of this enzyme, showing breakdown of bone.