Symptoms of copper deficiency and how to treat it and what is its relationship to hair graying?

Copper is present in small quantities in the human body and helps the body to perform the necessary functions in the brain, blood and other vital functions, as there are at least 12 enzymes in the body that depend on copper for its function, ie: a deficiency of copper A can disrupt the work and functions of these enzymes Symptoms of copper deficiency in the blood ? And what are the reasons for its occurrence? How do you deal with it? This is what we will learn, dear reader, in this article, so follow us.

Copper deficiency symptoms

It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose copper deficiency because the symptoms are similar to many other conditions; For example, the symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to those associated with a vitamin B12 deficiency , however, low copper levels can affect a person’s immune system and energy levels. Examples of symptoms include:

• Constant feeling of cold.
• Bones break easily.
• bruising easily
• fatigue.
• pallor of the skin
• poor growth
• Dermatitis.
• bed pain;
• Inexplicable painful muscles.

Causes of copper deficiency

Because the body absorbs copper primarily from the stomach and then the small intestine, problems in any of these organs often affect a person’s ability to absorb copper, and copper deficiency as a result of gastric surgery often affects absorption.

Zinc supplementation is also a common cause of copper deficiency, as zinc and copper compete for absorption in the stomach, thus, with zinc being the usual winner, copper is not reabsorbed.

Risk factors for copper deficiency

To diagnose a copper deficiency, your doctor will look at your medical history, ask about the types of medications and supplements you take, and think about your symptoms.

• Take additional zinc supplements.
• A history of gastric bypass bariatric surgery.
• A medical history with resection of part of the stomach.
• Upper GI surgery story.
• Malabsorption syndrome such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

Copper deficiency and hair

Since copper plays an important role in the formation of melanin, a copper deficiency can affect a person’s hair. Melanin is important in hair color pigmentation, so some doctors believe that low levels of copper can affect a person’s hair color, which is the reason for early graying.

However, the links between changes in hair color and thinness and loss have not been studied extensively because a 2013 study found no association between blood copper levels and alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss.

Where is copper found?

The average daily recommended amount of copper is about 0.9 mg. Most people take this amount with their daily meals. The most common sources of copper are:

• Bread and cereal.
• Oysters and crab meat.
• cashew
• Sunflower seeds.
• Bananas, broccoli, potatoes, and bananas are foods rich in copper.

Copper deficiency treatment

Initial treatment for copper deficiency may depend on why your levels are low in the first place; For example, if you are taking a lot of zinc, consider reducing your dose. Doctors may also recommend copper supplements as an appropriate treatment.

Taking about 2 mg of this daily may help with copper supplement to correct the condition, but your doctor will advise you on the proper dosage, eating foods rich in copper may also help, and your doctor may prescribe intravenous copper treatments in severe cases where the body does not absorb copper.