A pronounced copper deficiency is very rare, since copper is sufficiently available in the diet. As an essential trace element, copper is present in numerous enzymes and is additionally closely linked to iron metabolism. A deficiency of copper leads to anemia and immune deficiency.
What is copper deficiency?
In industrialized countries, a pronounced copper deficiency is very rare. The daily requirement in humans for copper is 1.5 to 3 mg. Especially in nuts, meat, seafood, cereals and beans is a lot of copper. The higher the physical load, the higher the copper requirement. It is excreted mainly in the urine. The body can store between 40 mg and 80 mg of copper. Both too low and too high copper concentrations lead to health disorders. Copper is a key trace element that controls many metabolic processes. It is present in many enzymes that protect against reactive oxygen, that support dopamine formation, and that are responsible for elastin and collagen synthesis. Furthermore, it is closely related to the metabolism of vitamin C and controls the absorption of iron from food. Due to these multiple functions of copper, a pronounced copper deficiency has a very negative effect on the organism.
Causes
The causes of copper deficiency are very diverse. The main cause is reduced copper intake from food. In industrialized countries, there is an adequate food supply, so copper requirements are usually met. In developing countries, copper deficiency is a greater problem due to inadequate food supplies. However, malnutrition can also lead to this. In malnutrition, sufficient food is available, although copper deficiency can result from the one-sided consumption of foods low in copper. Other causes can include eating disorders and alcoholism. Older people in particular are at risk of suffering from copper deficiency because, for various reasons, normal food intake is no longer guaranteed in their case. However, other deficiencies occur here in addition to copper deficiency. Medications can also interfere with copper absorption. Zinc-rich preparations in particular inhibit copper absorption. Certain diseases associated with malabsorption of food components, such as chronic gastrointestinal diseases or celiac disease, can also cause copper deficiency. Hereditary conditions such as Wilson’s syndrome or Menkes syndrome also result in low blood copper concentrations. Wilson’s syndrome is a copper storage disorder and in Menkes’ syndrome copper absorption is impaired. In cases of severe injury with blood loss, burns, certain diseases or medications, the copper requirement is increased. If more copper is not supplied in this situation, copper deficiency will also occur.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
A pronounced copper deficiency manifests itself as anemia, which is similar to iron deficiency anemia. Not enough red blood cells are produced. The copper deficiency causes a secondary iron deficiency due to reduced absorption of iron from the diet, which can no longer be corrected even by oral administration of iron supplements. The color distribution in the skin changes. Furthermore, there is rapid graying of the hair, fatigue, pallor, poor performance and concentration, and frequent infections. The bones become brittle. Above all, psychological problems such as depression occur frequently. Often, copper deficiency occurs together with other deficiency conditions.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
Because marked copper deficiency is very rare, it is often not examined and diagnosed. To do so, blood tests must be performed. The normal concentration of copper in the blood is between 80 and 140 micrograms per 100 ml. Because of the many possible causes, copper deficiency may not be that rare. However, a deficiency of copper that is not pronounced does not cause any symptoms. The complaints only appear when it is already more serious. In these cases, however, other deficiency conditions already appear in addition to the copper deficiency, such as iron deficiency.
Complications
Prolonged copper deficiency can cause several complications. First, a deficiency of copper causes fatigue and poor concentration, as well as respiratory problems.This increases the risk of accidents and, rarely, can also lead to circulatory problems. A severe copper deficiency can lead to fainting and other complications. Without copper, the defense system is also less efficient and there is an increase in infections and skin diseases. The nervous system is weakened, which reduces fertility, for example, and growth disorders can occur. If the trace element copper is missing, this also leads to reduced iron absorption from food. This leads to headaches, dizziness, fatigue and a general drop in performance. In the long term, physical complaints such as cracked lips, skin dryness and brittle nails occur, which in turn can be associated with serious complications. Sometimes the physical changes can lead to psychological problems. Since copper deficiency is difficult to diagnose as a cause, it can develop into a protracted emotional suffering. Dietary supplements containing copper can cause allergic reactions and other discomfort. In addition, selective intake of copper through dietary measures can lead to weight gain and an unbalanced diet, each associated with further problems and complications.
When should you see a doctor?
When symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and external changes are noticed, confer with a physician. Signs of physical or mental weakness indicate a deficiency that needs to be diagnosed and treated. Since a copper deficiency can only be remedied in a targeted manner if it is diagnosed appropriately, medical help must always be sought if signs of illness are mentioned. If bone fractures or disorders of the central nervous system occur repeatedly, the deficiency may have existed for a long time. An immediate visit to the doctor is necessary to avoid permanent damage. Individuals suffering from an eating disorder, alcoholism, or chronic gastrointestinal disorders are very susceptible to deficiency symptoms. Patients with Wilson’s syndrome, Menkens syndrome and celiac disease are also at risk and should have signs of deficiency examined immediately. In the case of a copper deficiency, it is best to consult the family doctor or an internist. If the disorder occurs in the context of an existing disease, the responsible physician should be informed. Further testing and adjustment of medications may be necessary during therapy.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of copper deficiency depends on the underlying cause. In general, treatment consists of adequate oral administration of copper supplements. However, these should not be administered together with zinc-containing preparations or medications because zinc inhibits copper absorption. In severe malabsorption states, it may sometimes be necessary to administer copper parenterally. Parenteral means that the intestine must be bypassed for absorption. In these cases, there is a particularly severe disturbance of copper absorption in the intestine. If iron deficiency anemia is also present, iron must also be administered parenterally, because the copper deficiency prevents iron absorption in the intestine. The main causes of copper deficiency in industrialized countries are severe diseases. Malnutrition does not play a role here. However, psychologically induced eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia can lead to copper deficiency. Therefore, it is a priority to treat these eating disorders. Other serious illnesses such as cancer, depression or dementia can also be associated with reduced food intake. Here, too, the underlying disease must be treated. Absorption disorders for copper are to be expected in severe gastrointestinal diseases and celiac disease. In addition to parenteral administration of copper preparations, the prerequisite for an adequate copper supply in these cases is also the cure of the corresponding disease.
Outlook and prognosis
The likelihood of suffering from copper deficiency is very low in the Western world. The trace element is present in many foods available everywhere. Moreover, a condition can be successfully treated, resulting in a good prognosis. However, if copper deficiency is permanent, anemia and immune deficiency set in. In addition to typical physical complaints, the psyche also suffers. This is because skin dryness or brittle nails diminish attractiveness. In the long term, failure to treat this condition poses a risk to the entire human organism.In industrialized countries, copper deficiency is often a consequence of serious diseases. Cancer and dementia in particular are considered triggers. Treatment consists of oral administration of tablets containing the trace element. In severe cases, the intestine must be bypassed, but this is not problematic according to current scientific knowledge. Copper deficiency is usually treated as a secondary condition. The main focus of doctors is on the causative disease. In the case of eating disorders and a tendency toward a one-sided diet, the outlook depends on the willingness of the person affected to cooperate. Because here the wrong food intake and problematic ideals condition the complaints.
Prevention
Prevention from copper deficiency consists in sufficient supply of copper to the body. This is usually not a problem because foods contain sufficient copper. If there are signs of eating disorders, medical advice should be sought. Serious gastrointestinal disorders must be urgently clarified and treated to prevent deficiency symptoms such as iron or copper deficiency.
Follow-up
Unlike tumor disease, for example, follow-up care for an identified copper deficiency is not usually part of the therapy. This is mainly due to the fact that the risk of disease in Western industrialized countries is minimal anyway and can be easily remedied by appropriate medication. The supply situation could hardly be better for the prevention of disease. A balanced diet is sufficient to prevent recurrence. However, this is not the responsibility of the health care system; rather, the patient must make changes in his or her daily routine. If necessary, nutritional counseling can be attended concomitantly. Permanent treatment is only necessary in cases where other diseases cause the copper deficiency. Eating disorders, cancer and depression, for example, can cause the typical complaints. Follow-up care consists of regular check-ups, which are arranged with the treating physician. This involves a symptom-related examination and a blood analysis. The patient also receives nutritional tips and further prescriptions. Scheduled follow-up examinations thus do not play a significant role after a diagnosed copper deficiency in Western industrialized countries. They take place only in cases of permanent and severe underlying diseases to prevent complications.
What you can do yourself
Normally, a balanced diet is sufficient to compensate for a copper deficiency. Those who experience the typical symptoms should eat mainly mushrooms, whole grain products, liver and mussels. Foods containing iron, such as nuts, cabbage, lentils and oatmeal, also alleviate the symptoms and prevent the iron deficiency that often accompanies them. In the case of a pronounced copper deficiency, the doctor may also prescribe copper-containing dietary supplements. This should be supplemented by a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a good diet strengthen the entire organism and help to regulate deficiency symptoms in a natural way. A food diary can also help to identify symptoms at an early stage and prevent deficiency symptoms before they become pronounced physical and psychological complaints. Anyone who has difficulty putting together a balanced diet should talk to a specialist or directly to a nutritionist. This is particularly advisable if there is an eating disorder, cancer, depression, dementia or another chronic illness that promotes copper deficiency. In the case of a first underlying disease, consultation should also be made with the physician. The latter can monitor the diet and advise further tips and measures to counteract a copper deficiency.
