Symptoms of copper deficiency in the body

 

 most often occurs in infants who have other health conditions or inherit a genetic defect. Here are the symptoms of copper deficiency in the body:

The importance of copper and the reason for its deficiency in the body

Most of the copper in the body is found in the liver , bones, and muscles, although traces of it are found in all tissues. The liver flushes out the excess copper in the bile to get rid of it from the body. Copper is a component of many enzymes, including enzymes needed for: energy production, formation of red blood cells, bone and connective tissue (which ensures adhesion between tissues and other organs), and antioxidant activity (to help protect cells from damage by free radicals). They are reactive byproducts of normal cellular activity). Copper deficiency can be acquired or inherited. It is rare in healthy people, most often in infants and children born prematurely and recovering from severe malnutrition and persistent diarrhoea.

Some male babies inherit a genetic defect that causes copper deficiency. This disorder is called Menkes syndrome.

In adults, copper deficiency can be caused by:

Disorders that impede the absorption of nutrients (malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis...).Weight loss (obesity) surgery.Excessive consumption of zinc reduces copper absorption.

 

Copper deficiency symptoms

Symptoms of copper deficiency are fatigue and weakness due to a low red blood cell count (anaemia), and sometimes an increased risk of infection due to a low white blood cell count. Sometimes osteoporosis or nerve damage develops. Nerve damage can cause tingling and loss of sensation in the feet and hands. A person may feel muscle weakness. Some people become confused, irritable, and mildly depressed. Coordination becomes disturbed.

Menkes syndrome, a genetic disease, causes severe intellectual disability, vomiting and diarrhea. The skin lacks pigmentation and the hair is sparse, hard-colored or curly. Bones can be brittle and deformed. Arteries are fragile, which sometimes leads to their rupture