ABSTRACT
A copper deficiency was considered to exist in malnurished Peruvian and Chilean children. Copper deficiency is uncommon in the human and when it occurs it is usually associated with other modifying conditions. Plasma measurements of copper are essentially a measurement of ceruloplasmin. Hence, copper status may be evaluated by the measurement of either plasma copper concentrations or by the measurement of ceruloplasmin. Cytochrome-C oxidase activity in platelets and mononucleated leukocytes is sensitive to copper nutrition. The copper containing enzyme, lysyloxidase, is reduced in activity with a marked deficiency of copper. Copper intake of 10 to 15 mg can result in metallic taste, diarrhea and vomitting. Ceruloplasmin contains six atoms of copper per molecule and accounts for over 90% of the copper present in plasma. Serum or plasma copper concentrations may be measured by colorimetric methods or by atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, and other procedures.
