From the Guidelines
A serum copper level of less than 10 mcg/dL is indicative of copper deficiency.
Key Points
- Copper deficiency may require supplementation with copper gluconate or copper sulfate, with treatment typically involving oral administration of copper gluconate at a dose of 4-8 mg/day for a minimum period, as suggested by 1.
- In cases with elevated CRP >20 mg/L and plasma concentrations <12 mmol/L, a deficiency is likely and copper administration can be considered, as stated in 1.
- For patients on chronic hemodialysis, large effluent losses of copper may occur, and intravenous administration of about 3 mg/d of copper may be necessary to prevent deficiencies, as suggested by 1.
- Regular monitoring of serum copper levels is essential to assess response to therapy and adjust treatment as needed.
- The optimal dose and duration of copper supplementation may vary depending on individual patient needs and the severity of the deficiency.
From the Research
Serum Copper Levels
A serum copper level of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter is considered low. According to the studies, low serum copper levels can be associated with various health issues, including:
- Copper deficiency myelopathy, which can mimic cervical spondylitic myelopathy 2
- Myelodysplasia, anemia, and neutropenia 3, 4
- Pancytopenia, a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets 4
- Impaired growth in infants recovering from malnutrition 5
Normal Serum Copper Levels
Normal serum copper levels typically range from 70 to 155 micrograms per deciliter. However, it's essential to note that reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and the specific assay used.
Copper Deficiency
Copper deficiency can be caused by various factors, including:
- Gastrointestinal malabsorption 3, 4
- Excessive zinc intake 2
- Gastric bypass surgery 2
- Short bowel syndrome 4
- Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease 2
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of copper deficiency typically involves measuring serum copper levels and ceruloplasmin levels. Treatment usually involves copper supplementation, which can lead to improvement in hematological and neurological symptoms 3, 2, 4. However, in some cases, neurological deterioration can be irreversible, even with copper supplementation 2.