Copper deficiency

Copper deficiency the body is the essential trace element copper is not in sufficient quantity. Copper is found in many enzymes and is responsible for the absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract. Copper deficiency therefore be found as the main findings often one to oral iron administration is not responsive iron deficiency anemia.

Copper is found in many foods such as meat and nuts. The daily requirement is -3 mg in 1 ½. The copper metabolism is closely linked to iron metabolism.

Copper metabolism

Copper is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is found in meat, nuts, seafood, beans and grain products. The daily requirement is -3 mg in 1 ½. In particular, at physical stress the demand increases. Athletes or blue collar workers should therefore be at least 0.6 mg (women) or 0.5 mg ( men ) take copper per 1000 kcal diet. The body can store about 40 -80 mg of copper. The excretion of copper occurs ( about 0.1 mg daily ) via urine, bile and breast milk. For the regulation of the concentration of copper within the cells (e.g., the liver), ATP-dependent transport systems are responsible.

Cause and pathogenesis

The cause of copper deficiency can therefore be both inadequate oral intake and malabsorption.

Copper is found in enzymes of energy metabolism, such as cytochrome oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, tyrosinase, monoamine oxidase, superoxide Dysmutase (protection against reactive oxygen species ), dopamine - β -hydroxylase (dopamine formation), uricase, lysyl oxidase ( elastin and collagen synthesis) and ascorbic acid oxidase. It is important for the formation of hemoglobin (oxygen carrier - hemoglobin) and the function of cytochromes in the mitochondria. Last enzymes contribute significantly to the energy supply in the cells at ( respiratory chain ). Copper is also important for the absorption of iron from food ( absorption in the gastrointestinal tract). When copper deficiency therefore occur symptoms of iron deficiency and functional impairment of the corresponding enzymes.

Clinical manifestations

Typical is a significant loss of faculty. The reasons are both occurring as a result of reduced in copper deficiency iron absorption anemia, when loaded red blood cells too small ( microcytic ) and with too little of the oxygen carrier hemoglobin ( hypochromic ) are (iron deficiency anemia), as well as a reduction in function of the cytochromes. Both factors reduce the aerobic energy supply and ultimately the performance of the cells

Methods of investigation

The normal serum copper concentration is about 80 -140 micrograms per 100 ml, of which 4 percent to serum albumin and 96 percent are bound to ceruloplasmin.

Prevention and treatment

Treatment and prevention are generally in a sufficient oral dose of copper. In the rare case of malabsorption, the parenteral administration is indicated.

In iron deficiency anemia the parenteral administration of iron can also be symptomatic displayed because its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is significantly limited when copper deficiency.

History

The presence of copper in biological organisms was known already in the middle of the 19th century. Even then, its meaning has been discussed as an essential trace element.