04/07/2026
Anaemic?
Low in iron possibly, or perhaps your copper to zinc ratio is off. ⚖️
Both copper & zinc are absorbed across the intestinal lining & will quietly compete.
Copper deficiency can hide behind normal blood work for a long time before showing up as anaemia or nerve damage.
When zinc intake is too high, copper is drained from the body. Not destroyed or bound by zinc directly, rather, the mechanism works via a protein called metallothionein. Within the cells lining the gut wall, metallothionein binds to copper more tightly than zinc. Yet zinc is a potent inducer of metallothionein, meaning more zinc = more metallothionein = more copper is bound, held hostage, & never crosses from the lining into the blood stream.
The intestinal lining cells,(enterocytes) turn over every 2 weeks, excreted via stools & with them goes the copper. Prolonged high intake of zinc causes a trap for copper deficiency.
Invisible at first until copper reserves deplete, then it becomes clinically significant. Copper- dependent processes begin to fail, anaemia is noticed and a low white cell count pattern occurs. Frequently mistaken for a primary bone marrow disorder, (PubMed, Hoffman et al, 1988 gastroenterology study results showed cu deficiency was traced to chronic high zn intake, not low iron). A serious consequence is neurological; myelopathy (spinal cord degeneration) that resembles B12 deficiency, not always reversible.
These two nutrients are vitally important and have similar metabolic functions...
Copper is required to make red & white blood cells, is involved in cellular oxidation, oxygen transport, myelin & melanin synthesis, clotting factor 5. Elastin & collagen synthesis, maintenance of skin, bone & proper nerve function. Thus, musculoskeletal problems occur when cu deficient, fragile bones, weakness & nerve complications. Iron accumulates in the tissues & joints. Cu is important for dopamine & noradrenaline levels in the brain, blood pressure & homocysteine balance. Interestingly when deficient, copper is the only nutritional insult that will elevate cholesterol. Vital then for the heart, deficiency can cause cardio dysfunction, hypertrophy & other defects. Anaemia, alopecia, brain neurotransmitter, hormone issues & depression. Also, infertility, spontaneous abortions & neural tube defects. Susceptibility to viral infections & candida is common.
Zinc’s 3 basic functions are: catalytic, structural & regulatory. An essential co-factor for 300+ enzymes & proteins involved in the body’s defence system against oxidative stress, including metallothionein which controls responses to DNA damage & repair.
We cannot function or thrive without it...Zinc is involved in cellular differentiation, proliferation & cellular transcription. It regulates & promotes gene expression & regulation, via a complex mechanism. It activates tumour suppression, inhibits angiogenesis of cancer cells, to prevent the rapid cell growth/metastasis, yet via the same process will promote the growth of healthy tissue, repair & cell function. Zinc too then, has anti-viral activity and participates in the growth of a healthy brain, supports sexual development, growth hormones & insulin synthesis. Well known for wound healing, zinc is important for healthy skin, nails hair & puberty.
Deficiency can cause poor growth & immunity, impotence, low s***m count/damage, infertility & increased risk of abortion. Emotional & mental disorders like manic depression, poor memory/ concentration & learning difficulties. Vision can deteriorate without adequate zinc.
Conservatively: RDA of zinc is up to15mg/day/adult approx. RDA of copper is up to 3mg/day/adult. Of course, these doses are open to variation for individual circumstances and conditions. Best monitored when changed.
It is worth mentioning that blood tests are not fully accurate in assessing the body’s reserves of copper, zinc & other minerals. The body will use more when required leading to deficiency too.
When other tests have not delivered a cause for symptoms, including anemia, perhaps more investigation is required.
Along with consultation re diet, supplements & gastrointestinal health, a hair tissue mineral analysis test can be useful in assessing storage and ratio/imbalances of all minerals.
Once the results are analysed, a treatment plan can be designed to correct mineral status. It is advised that a review test be done 3-6 months on from the first test, depending on severity, to assess progress. Reviews ensure ongoing management.
Conclusion:
The tolerable upper intake for adults of zinc is 40mg/day, & copper status disturbances are reported when zinc is persistently above 50mg/day.
Such high levels can occur easily & accumulation can occur when stacking supplements e.g. Immune formulas + multivitamins and/or high zinc containing foods in the diet.
Zinc supplementation is not dangerous to copper stores when managed correctly. There are absolutely times when zinc can be supplemented safely.
Essential with appropriate doses, especially during acute illness, then healing phases. Matching with copper during this time can be reassuring as the body will not signal its deficit until well underway.
A HTMA test is a very good clinical tool, along with consultation, to assess mineral status. Results determine the protocol to correct ratios of minerals, who work intrinsically together for homeostasis in so many metabolic functions.
If you are interested in a HTMA test with me, they are $290 & take approx. 3 weeks for the results to return. Hair sample is taken in clinic during consultation. 💇♀️🌿
