Is Malabsorption Possible Through Copper Deficiency Due To Peripheral Neuropathy?

Posted on Sat, 24 Oct 2015

Question: Hi. I have been dealing with pretty painful idiopathic non-length dependent small fiber neuropathy. One of the findings of some significance in my labs is that I have had chronic copper deficiency. Around 60mcg/dl. I have been taking oral copper supplementation which has not increased the levels at all. Unclear if this is causing my neuropathy but the neuro believes it could be a factor but is not sure why I cant get the levels elevated. He is referring me to a gastro to see if it is malabsorption. Note: I have not had gastric bypass or had gastric issues historically. I was wondering if you have ever seen these cases in otherwise healthy individuals and what typically can be done if it is a malabsorption issue. (I did have an abdominal CT scan which came up clean).

Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Check factors which may decrease copper absorption and correct them

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am Dr.Amit Jain (DM, Gastroenterologist). Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may be due to copper deficiency, if all other common causes has been rulled out. Although its very rare but is known. Copper is absobed from stomach and small intestine. Absorption is about 15-97% depending on copper content, form of the copper, and composition of the diet. There are many factors which may increase or decrease absorption:
Factors which increase:
1.ingestion of animal protein, citrate, and phosphate.
2.Copper salts, including copper gluconate, copper acetate, or copper sulfate, are more easily absorbed than copper oxides.
Factors which may decrease absorption:
1. Increased intake of zinc,Vitamin C or iron cadmium, phytate and simple sugars (fructose, sucrose)
2. Malabsorption issue

So you may see why XXXXXXX although being taken is not increasing your cu levels. If any of the dietary factor is there you should correct it.

If it is a malabsorption then visit a Gastroenterologist, who will do endoscopy examination and may take duodenal biopsy to see for malabsorption and if in that there is changes of malabsorption, then treat accordingly.

I have never seen patient with copper deficiency

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query I will be happy to answer that too. Wish you a good health

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina