Copper (Cu)

If your copper level is currently above an optimal range it an indicate a copper toxicity, or an elimination of excess tissue copper. 

An elevated copper level is indicative of an excess of tissue copper, or copper toxicity. Copper tends to accumulate in the liver, brain and the kidneys, which are in essence, storage organs to prevent excessive amounts of copper from accumulating in the blood. An elevated copper level on a hair tissue mineral analysis indicates a condition of bio-unavailable copper. Although copper is present in excess in body tissues, it cannot be utilized properly. Due to the intimate relationship between zinc and copper, if a hair analysis indicates a low zinc/copper ratio, a copper toxicity must also be considered. A copper imbalance can result from underactive adrenal gland activity, a zinc deficiency, environmental copper exposure and congenital copper toxicity transmitted through the placenta.

Hair Copper (Cu) levels are usually indicative of body status with two exceptions: (1) addition of exogenous Cu (occasionally found in hair preparations or algaecides in swimming pools/hot tubs), and (2) low hair Cu in Wilson’s or Menkes’ diseases. In Wilson’s disease, Cu transport is defective and Cu accumulates, sometimes to toxic levels, in intestinal mucosa, liver and kidneys. At the same time, it is low in hair and deficient in other peripheral tissues. In Menkes’ disease, the activity of Cu dependent enzymes is very low. Cu supplementation is contraindicated in these diseases.

Cu is an essential element that is required for the activity of certain enzymes. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a Cu (and zinc) dependent enzyme; lysyl oxidase which catalyzes crosslinking of collagen is another Cu dependent enzyme. Adrenal catecholamine synthesis is Cu dependent, because the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which catalyzes formation of norepinephrine from dopamine, requires Cu. Symptoms of Cu deficiency include: elevated cholesterol, increased inflammatory responses, anemia, bone and collagen disorders, reproductive failure, and impaired immunity.

Possible reasons for a Cu deficiency include: intestinal malabsorption, insufficient dietary intake, molybdenum excess, zinc excess, and chelation therapy. Cu status is adversely affected by excess of antagonistic metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese. Confirmatory tests for Cu deficiency are serum ceruloplasmin to rule out Wilson’s disease (ceruloplasmin is deficient in Wilson’s disease), a whole blood or packed red blood cell elements analysis, and a functional test for Cu (barring zinc deficiency) is measurement of erythrocytes SOD activity. Erythrocyte SOD activity is subnormal with Cu deficiency.

Copper is an essential mineral in the body and directly or indirectly affects virtually every bodily system function. Copper is required for energy production, cardiovascular health, neurotransmitter activity, female reproductive system, skin health, blood formation and the immune system.