Explain the effect of Deficiency of Copper in Human?
Owing to the remarkable homeostatic mechanisms, copper deficiency in humans is rare. However, copper deficiency has been reported under special circumstances. The predisposing factors of copper deficiency are prematurity, low birth weight and malnutrition, especially when combined with feeding practices such as cow's milk or total parenteral nutrition. The most frequent symptoms are anaemia, neutropenia (abnormally high levels of a type of WBC's in blood) and bone fractures.
Other less frequent symptoms include hypo-pigmentation, impaired growth, and an increased incidence of infections and abnormalities of glucose and cholesterol metabolism. It has been proposed that sub-optimal copper intakes over long periods may be involved in the precipitation of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. While on one hand, a low intake of copper can affect our health, a very high intake or abnormally high levels of copper in the body's tissues can also be damaging to several body processes. Let us read further to find out the effects of copper toxicity.