How does copper deficiency impact iron metabolism and hemoglobin production?
Development of anemia. Copper deficiency causes an anemia that appears identical to anemia caused by iron deficiency. Copper deficiency anemia develops from poor iron utilization stemming from inadequate ceruloplasmin production. That is, inferior blood cells are small and lack adequate hemoglobin. The telltale difference is that blood levels of ferritin, an iron-containing protein, are normal in copper deficiency while they are low in iron deficiency. Symptoms of copper deficiency anemia. Symptoms include irritability, fatigue, weakness, low energy, loss of appetite, dizziness, faintness, diminished mental alertness and function, and shortness of breath. Anemia, due to copper deficiency, can only be corrected with copper supplementation. For more, visit our Gazette article, “Copper Malabsorption in Coeliac Disease.” 2. Role of copper in energy metabolism and production. Copper has a key role in energy metabolism due to the redox ability of copper ions (charged molecules), meaning copp
