Introduction:
While copper is only needed in small amounts, it’s incredibly powerful—and like many trace minerals, balance is everything. Too little copper can quietly sabotage energy, brain function, iron metabolism, and immunity. Too much copper, on the other hand, can damage tissues and disrupt your nervous system. In this second article of the Copper Series, we’ll walk you through the signs of both deficiency and excess, why they occur, and what you might notice if your copper levels start drifting out of range.
What Causes Copper Deficiency?
Copper deficiency is uncommon in the general population, but it can happen under specific conditions. These are some of the most common causes:
- Long-term zinc supplementation (zinc competes with copper for absorption)
- Malabsorption syndromes (e.g. celiac disease, bariatric surgery, Crohn’s)
- Genetic disorders (such as Menkes disease)
- Very restrictive diets over time
- Premature birth, especially in infants with low birth weight
Signs and Symptoms of Copper Deficiency
Because copper touches so many systems, deficiency symptoms can be broad and easily mistaken for other conditions:
- Fatigue and weakness (due to impaired iron transport and low energy production)
- Pale skin or symptoms of anemia that don’t improve with iron
- Poor coordination or difficulty walking (due to damage to the spinal cord and nerves)
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (similar to B12 deficiency)
- Frequent infections or poor wound healing (due to lowered white blood cell function)
- Bone weakness or increased fracture risk (impaired collagen formation)
- Premature graying of hair or changes in skin pigmentation
In severe cases, copper deficiency can mimic neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or even B12-deficiency-induced neuropathy.
What Causes Copper Excess?
Copper excess is rare from food alone but can occur due to:
- Over-supplementation of copper
- Contaminated water supplies (e.g., from copper pipes)
- Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder that causes copper buildup in the liver and brain
Excess copper is stored primarily in the liver, and if levels become too high, it may lead to oxidative stress and toxicity.
Signs and Symptoms of Copper Excess
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Headaches and irritability
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Liver damage or abnormal liver tests
- Mood swings or depression
- Metallic taste in the mouth
In extreme cases, high copper levels can affect brain function, leading to psychiatric symptoms and tremors.
Deficiency vs. Excess: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Interestingly, both deficiency and excess can affect the nervous system and lead to brain-related symptoms. That’s why copper balance needs to be just right—not too much, not too little.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Copper Status | Main Symptoms |
| Deficiency | Fatigue, anemia, numbness, poor balance, weak immunity, brittle bones |
| Excess | Nausea, headaches, liver damage, mood swings, mental confusion |
| At Risk Groups | Bariatric patients, high zinc users, genetic conditions, extreme dietary limits |
Conclusion:
In the next article, we’ll look at how your body regulates copper—what helps you absorb it, what blocks it, and how you can support that balance naturally.