What Are the Symptoms of Copper Deficiency?

Copper is an essential trace mineral that supports several critical bodily functions, including red blood cell production, immune health, brain and nervous system development, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. Although true copper deficiency is considered uncommon, low copper intake has been increasing in the United States. Recent research suggests that up to 25% of Americans may not be getting enough copper through diet alone.

Recognizing the early signs of copper deficiency is important because the symptoms often overlap with other health conditions, making them easy to overlook. Understanding what causes copper deficiency and how to test your levels can help you take action quickly and prevent long-term complications.

Quick Answer

The most common symptoms of copper deficiency include fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, pale skin, trouble walking, and brittle bones. A copper blood test is the quickest and most accurate way to confirm low copper levels.

What Are the Symptoms of Copper Deficiency?

Some of the most common symptoms of copper deficiency include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Frequent sickness due to a weakened immune system
• Osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
• Difficulties with memory or learning
• Trouble walking or poor coordination
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Pale skin

Many of these symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, so linking them to copper deficiency can be difficult. Testing blood copper levels is a useful tool for determining whether a deficiency is contributing to your symptoms.

What Can Cause Copper Deficiency?

Most people get enough copper from their diet. Foods rich in copper include shellfish, nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, and even dark chocolate.

Common causes of copper deficiency include:

• Malnutrition or poor diet
• Digestive disorders that prevent nutrient absorption (Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, Cystic Fibrosis)
• Bariatric surgery, which may cause food to bypass the duodenum, where copper is absorbed
• Excessive zinc intake, which blocks copper absorption
• Often caused by zinc supplements or zinc-based denture adhesives

Even people consuming adequate copper may experience a deficiency if their bodies cannot absorb it properly.

What Is the Connection Between Copper Deficiency and Anemia?

Copper plays an important role in producing hemoglobin—the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. When copper levels are too low, red blood cell production may decrease, leading to anemia.

In copper-deficiency–related anemia, red blood cells are often smaller and paler than normal. Although this type of anemia is uncommon in healthy individuals, copper testing may be recommended for people with symptoms or underlying digestive disorders.

How Do You Test for Copper Deficiency?

Because symptoms alone can be misleading, a copper blood test is the most reliable way to identify a deficiency.

Request A Test makes copper testing simple, fast, and affordable. You can order your own lab testing without the need for a doctor’s appointment or insurance approval.

Why Choose Request A Test?

• Affordable pricing
• Over 7,000 convenient nationwide locations
• Same-day testing with fast results
• No doctor's order needed, we provide one
• No insurance is required

If you are experiencing symptoms of copper deficiency, don’t wait. Order your test online or call 888-732-2348. Results may be available in as little as one business day—giving you the information you need to discuss treatment with your healthcare provider.

Sources

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/copper-deficiency-symptoms#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/copper-deficiency
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006497119786558

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only

Click to read our full disclaimer.