Copper • Causes & Symptoms of Too Much Copper in the Blood

Copper is an essential trace element and part of many enzymes. Among other things, copper is responsible for cell respiration. The liver is responsible for the copper metabolism.

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Blood count: important values ​​and what they mean

When is the copper value determined?

In the event of possible liver diseases, the copper value is determined. The value is also examined in the event of changes to the bones, connective tissue or nerve disorders.

The copper value is determined in the blood serum and in the urine.

When is the copper value in the normal range?

For adults aged 20 and over, the copper value in men is between 79 µg / dl and 131 µg / dl in the normal range, in women between 74 µg / dl and 122 µg / dl.

Causes of a copper value that is too high

Cancer diseases or damage to the liver can be responsible for an increased copper value. Chronic infections and the use of birth control pills also ensure that the copper level in the body increases. Diabetics and pregnant women also often have a higher copper value.

Causes for a copper value that is too low

There are certain diseases in which the copper value is below the normal range. These include Wilson's disease and Menkes syndrome. In hereditary Wilson disease, also known as copper storage disease, the liver is no longer adequately passed on to the bile. This causes the copper to accumulate in the body, for example in the eyes (Kayser-Fleischer ring), in the liver or in the brain.

Menkes syndrome is also a hereditary disease and is characterized by a copper value that is too low. The disease occurs in children. Malnutrition can be another reason why the copper value is too low.

White blood cells in the blood: This means high and low values