Can Athletes Have Lower Serum Copper?
Yes, athletes can have lower serum copper levels, particularly in erythrocytes (red blood cells), though serum and plasma concentrations typically remain within normal ranges. The most recent high-quality evidence demonstrates that physically trained individuals show significantly lower intracellular copper concentrations despite adequate dietary intake 1.
Evidence for Lower Copper in Athletes
Intracellular vs. Extracellular Compartments
Athletes demonstrate significantly lower copper concentrations in erythrocytes compared to sedentary controls, even when dietary copper intake is similar between groups 1.
Serum, plasma, and urine copper concentrations generally remain within normal reference ranges in athletes, though trends toward lower values exist across all compartments 1.
This discrepancy highlights a critical point: assessing only serum copper may miss true intracellular deficiencies that could affect athletic performance and health 1.
Cross-Sectional Data in Female Athletes
A comprehensive study of 70 female collegiate athletes across multiple sports (cross country, tennis, softball, swimming, soccer, basketball, gymnastics) found mean serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations within normal ranges across all sports 2.
However, 41% of athletes failed to consume two-thirds of the RDA for copper, suggesting dietary intake is frequently inadequate even when serum levels appear normal 2.
Mean serum copper values ranged from 85-140 μg/dL across different sports, with basketball players showing the lowest values (85 ± 10 μg/dL) 2.
Mechanisms Behind Lower Copper Status
Exercise-Induced Alterations
Physical training produces changes in both extracellular and intracellular trace mineral concentrations, with copper being particularly affected in the intracellular compartment 1.
Blood copper levels are altered by exercise, though the exact mechanisms remain incompletely understood 3, 4.
Dietary Factors
Many athletes, particularly females, consume inadequate amounts of copper through diet alone 2, 5.
Female athletes in certain sports (handball, karate) fail to reach even the minimal safe intake of 1.5 mg/day 5.
Clinical Implications
Assessment Recommendations
Copper status assessment should include both extracellular (serum/plasma) AND intracellular (erythrocyte) measurements to properly identify deficiencies 1.
Relying solely on serum copper may provide false reassurance while missing clinically significant intracellular depletion 1.
Supplementation Considerations
Additional copper supplementation may be needed in athletes who perform regular physical training, particularly when intracellular measurements reveal deficiency 1.
There is currently no conclusive evidence that copper supplementation enhances performance in athletes with normal copper status 3, 4.
A multivitamin/mineral supplement containing no more than the RDA may be appropriate for athletes concerned about inadequate dietary intake 3.
Important Caveats
Widespread copper deficiencies have not been definitively documented in athletic populations when assessed by traditional serum measurements alone 4.
The relationship between copper status and athletic performance has not been firmly established 3, 4.
Poor dietary habits remain the primary driver of any mineral deficiencies found in athletes, rather than exercise-induced losses per se 4.