Copper deficiency - causes, symptoms and long-term consequences

Copper belongs to the group of trace elements and is essential for many of our body's functions. The immune system, cellular respiration and iron absorption are just a few examples of its functions. Even the smallest amounts are sufficient to control various processes. But how is a copper deficiency linked to Wilson's disease, our diet and zinc? Which diseases can provoke copper deficiency? And which foods contain copper?

Read more about its importance for our health here!

What does the body need copper for?

Copper is a vital trace element that is involved in many processes of our metabolism. The amount required is very small and, in extreme cases, an overdose can lead to poisoning and impaired iron absorption. The normal dosage in our blood is around 80 - 140 micrograms per 100 ml of blood. The mineral is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract.

The trace element plays a special role in the human body for haematopoiesis, the synthesis of iron, growth, bone structure, fat and sugar metabolism, the immune system and the nervous system. It also promotes the synthesis of the pigment melanin in skin and hair and the myelin layer around nerve fibres, as well as the formation of connective tissue.

What are the symptoms of copper deficiency?

The cause of poor immune defences, a mental imbalance or general neurological problems can be due to an undersupply. Although a deficiency was previously considered rare, current findings show that it occurs more frequently than assumed. As our body stores the trace element and gradually releases it into the blood as required, a copper deficiency can only be recognised when the stores are empty. An imbalance already leads to a weakened immune system, but a chronic deficiency can lead to serious illnesses.

Possible symptoms:

• Iron deficiency
• Decrease in the number of white blood cells or anaemia
• Weakened immune system
• Lack of performance and concentration and lack of concentration
• Disturbance in the central nervous system
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Growth disorders
• Diminished bone density
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Pigment disorders of skin and hair
• Dermatitis
• Diagnosis of Wilson's disease or Menkes syndrome

What are the causes of copper deficiency?

Basically, we get enough copper from our diet, provided it is balanced. A copper deficiency is often caused by certain diseases, such as intestinal diseases, coeliac disease, kidney damage, a diagnosis of Wilson's disease, a copper storage disorder, or the congenital copper absorption disorder known as Menkes syndrome. Incorrect doses of food supplements can also lead to a copper deficiency: If excessive amounts of zinc are consumed over the long term, the body can no longer absorb the copper properly from the intestine. Alcoholism and eating disorders or a poor diet can also be a cause of copper deficiency.

How is copper deficiency linked to Wilson's disease?

The metabolic disorder Wilson's disease (also known as degeneratio hepatolenticularis, hepatolenticular degeneration, copper storage disease, Wilson's disease, pseudosclerosis Westphal) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease in which copper metabolism in the liver is disturbed. Wilson's disease causes reduced copper excretion via the bile, resulting in an increased accumulation of copper in the liver, the eye, the central nervous system and other organs. The symptoms of Wilson's disease are very diverse, but above all liver damage and neurological deficits often result.

What are the effects of a copper deficiency?

If we do not consume enough copper through our diet or if the body's absorption is impaired by an illness or additional factors, such as too much zinc, a permanent deficit can basically provoke anaemia, tiredness and poor concentration. Our defence and nervous systems are also impaired in their performance if there is a copper deficiency. An undersupply of copper leads to poorer absorption of iron through food, which can result in dizziness, headaches, fatigue, reduced performance and neurological problems.

What are the long-term consequences of chronic copper deficiency?

The less serious consequences of an undersupply are chapped lips, brittle nails or dry skin. Psychological impairments are also a common reaction of the body to a copper deficiency.

More serious consequences of a chronic deficiency can be: Liver dysfunction with associated inflammation, lipid metabolism disorders, depression, impaired melanin metabolism, impaired dopamine metabolism, anaemia and reduction in bone density.

Copper deficiency can often be difficult to detect because the body has a store of copper. For this reason, this diagnosis can often be a challenge.

How much copper does the body need per day?

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily intake of copper. (DGE) recommends daily copper intake [1] as follows:

• Infants up to 4 months: 0.2 - 0.6 mg
• Children 4 - 12 months: 0.6 - 0.7 mg
• Children 1 - 7 years: 0.5 - 1.0 mg
• Children aged 7 and over and adults: 1 - 1.5 mg

Can the body store copper?

The body has some copper reserves if you regularly consume sufficient amounts. It can store between 40-80 mg of copper. The trace element is mainly stored in the bones, muscles, kidneys and liver, with smaller amounts of copper also found in the brain. When required, the nutrient is released into the blood.

Which foods contain copper?

Foods that are particularly rich in copper include offal, shellfish and crustaceans (lobster, oysters) and beef.

However, plant-based foods can also provide a good supply of the daily requirement: Cocoa and dark chocolate, nuts and seeds, whole grains, pulses (lentils, beans, peas, soya beans), kale, bananas, oatmeal, quinoa, barley and rice.

What are the consequences of increased copper intake?

Medical experts recommend avoiding excessive copper intake, as it can have a cell-damaging consequence. At a young age, an excessive supply of the mineral can even favour liver cirrhosis.

Take care of your health!

Sources:
[1] https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/kupfer-mangan-chrom-molybdaen/?L=0