Know the Symptoms of Copper Deficiency and Copper Rich Foods

A vital micronutrient, copper is important for the health and wellbeing of your body. The body just requires a minimal amount of it. Despite the minimal requirement, it nonetheless plays a significant role in brain growth as well as the synthesis of connective tissues, energy, and blood vessels.

Copper plays a role in gene activation and maintaining immunological function. Additionally, it aids in blood clotting and blood pressure regulation. The body may not be able to carry out all of these amazing tasks when you have a copper shortage, and you can also experience some unpleasant side effects.

A deficit in copper is rare because it is required in such small levels. This is particularly true because copper is widely distributed in meals that you might eat every day.

However, celiac disease, an immunological illness where the body reacts to ingesting gluten, may result in a copper shortage as a side effect. Menkes disease, a rare genetic condition, and frequent use of supplements with high levels of zinc may also contribute to a deficit. Your body's capacity to absorb copper may be hampered by high zinc levels, leaving you lacking in this crucial vitamin. The inability to absorb the vitamin after bariatric surgery is arguably the most frequent cause of copper deficiency.

 

Copper Rich Foods

 

• Shellfish
• Seeds
• Organ meats (offal)
• Oysters
• Potatoes
• Turkey
• Tofu
• Chickpeas
• Millet
• Avocado
• Fig
• Greek yogurt
• Sesame seeds
• Salmon
• Cashew nuts
• Mushrooms
• Dark chocolate

 

Also Read: Foods High in Vitamin B12

A copper deficiency may result in the following symptoms:

 

Increase in Blood Cholesterol

Because of its associations with heart disease and stroke in the past, cholesterol received a poor rap. Despite increased awareness of the existence of healthy cholesterol, excess and bad forms of this chemical continue to be harmful to health.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) contain good cholesterol, whereas low-density lipoproteins include bad cholesterol (LDL). A lack of copper can cause LDL to be oxidised, which may cause a hazardous buildup of fatty material in the arteries. In the end, a blockage in the arteries could result from these deposits.

Hypercholesterolemia, a disorder caused by copper deficiency, is another factor in elevated blood cholesterol levels. Because even high levels of good cholesterol can be dangerous, this condition can raise the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Pale or Patchy Skin

Melanin is a pigment that substantially influences the colour of your skin. In order for melanin to be produced, copper is essential. Tyrosinase, an enzyme required for the creation of melanin, is one of the products produced as a result of it.

Hypopigmentation may happen when copper levels are low. When skin or hair looks paler than usual, this is what is happening.

Brittle Bones

Although copper is important for fostering bone health, iron, calcium, and other minerals may be primarily responsible for strong bones.

Low levels of copper, a nutrient that directly affects bone growth, are associated with decreased bone mineral density, which is a more accurate indicator of bone strength.

This explains why osteoporosis, a disorder characterised by weak and brittle bones, has been related to a copper deficiency.

 

Also Read: GERD: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Frequent Infections

Uncertainty surrounds the specific mechanism, but copper is crucial in controlling how the body reacts to potentially harmful invaders.

This makes it very evident when the body needs more copper. When the body is deficient in copper, important immune cells like interleukin 2, which is required for the production of white bloodcells, are diminished.

As a result, the body is less able to defend itself against illnesses and infections.

 

Persistent Fatigue

If you've been feeling fatigued for an extended length of time without a clear cause, your body may be warning you that you may be lacking in nutrients such as copper.

The metabolism, transport, and absorption of iron—a necessary component in the creation of haemoglobin in red blood cells—all depend on copper.

Iron deficiency anaemia, which is brought on by a concomitant decline in iron, can be caused by a copper shortage. Body tiredness that doesn't go away is a sign of anaemia and can be linked to low copper levels.

 

Loss of Vision

Although it is extremely unusual to result from a copper deficiency in the diet, malabsorption following bariatric surgery has led to occasional cases of eyesight loss caused by copper insufficiency.

Even though it's unclear how a drop in copper levels may influence eyesight, most experts believe that this shortage damages the optic nerve. It is believed that a copper shortage harms the shielding around the optic nerves, which can impair vision.

 

Also Read: Low Your Cholesterol Naturally