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Copper Deficiency

mmm...copper is in chocolate!
mmm…copper is in chocolate and nuts!

What Is Copper Deficiency?

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]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?

Sources:
  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. [↩]

Hypocupremia (Low Blood Copper Level)

hypocupremia low copper and celiac disease gluten symptom
Paleness and Tendon Problem: Symptoms of Hypocupremia.

What Is Hypocupremia?

[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ypocupremia, or low plasma copper, means the level of copper is too low to meet metabolic needs of the body for copper and is characterized by these many features:

  1. Impaired energy production causing weakness.
  2. Impaired ability as part of an enzyme to oxidize vitamin C which is required to breakdown histamine.
  3. Faulty blood cell formation and instability of blood cell membranes causing anemia, shortened life span of neutrophils causing susceptibility to infection, faulty platelet formation causing impaired blood clotting.
  4. Faulty elastin formation causing weak blood vessels.
  5. Poor collagen and connective tissue strength causing joint and tendon problems and weak bones causing deformities, faulty bone mineralization causing fragile bones.
  6. Loss of proprioception causing ataxia.
  7. Loss of pigmentation of hair and skin.
  8. Impaired thyroid function.
  9. Impaired adrenalin production.

Untreated, copper deficiency can advance to brain degeneration. Failure to make normal blood cells can result in death.

What Is Hypocupremia In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?