Copper Deficiency

While severe copper deficiency is relatively uncommon, scientists suggest that approximately 25% of the population may be at risk of copper deficiency. The following groups are at most risk of deficiency:

  • Infants/children fed only cow's milk formula
    Infants and young children fed only cow's milk baby formula may become deficient in copper as cow's milk has low levels of copper. Premature babies, especially those with low birth weights, babies with severe diarrhoea and children and babies suffering from malnutrition are the groups most at risk of copper deficiency.
  • People taking high levels of vitamin C or zinc supplements
    People taking high supplemental levels of vitamin C and/or zinc could become deficient in copper because both of these nutrients block copper absorption when they are taken in high doses. Copper supplementation is highly recommended in these cases.
  • People on restricted medical diets
    People on restricted medical diets may become deficient in copper if the diets are low in foods high in copper.
  • People with cystic fibrosis
    Studies have found that people with the health condition cystic fibrosis may be at increased risk of copper insufficiency.
  • People with malabsorption syndromes
    People with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes (Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, sprue and short bowel syndrome due to surgical removal of some of the bowel) are at a greater risk of being copper deficient and in fact due to their inability to absorb any nutrients properly, could be at risk for deficiency in other nutrients.
While severe copper deficiency is relatively uncommon, scientists suggest that approximately 25% of the population may be at risk of copper deficiency

Copper Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of copper deficiency include:

  • Anaemia
  • Bone demineralisation
  • Decreased dopamine and noradrenaline levels
  • Faulty collagen formation
  • Increased infections
  • Loss of hair
  • Low white blood levels
  • Skin pigmentation

People who experience any of the symptoms above should seek the advice of their doctor about copper supplementation.

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