Abstract
- Background
Copper serves as a crucial structural and functional component in many proteins involved in energy production, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, connective tissue formation, and endogenous antioxidant defense. Despite its physiological importance, identifying subclinical copper imbalances remains a diagnostic challenge. This review assesses the evidence regarding copper status biomarkers, their links to chronic inflammatory diseases, and their relevance to dietary recommendations.
- Methods
This scoping review evaluated systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case-control studies investigating biochemical indices of copper status and the association between copper imbalances and chronic disease pathogenesis. The sensitivity of available biomarkers for detecting marginal copper states and the strength of evidence supporting changes to current dietary recommendations were critically analyzed.
- Results
While several biochemical indices are currently used to assess copper status, none have proven suitable for detecting marginal copper deficiency or marginal copper toxicity. Meta-analyses published over the last decade—primarily based on case-control studies—consistently show that blood copper concentrations are significantly higher in individuals with chronic inflammatory pathologies compared to healthy controls. However, due to the observational nature of these studies and the role of copper as an acute-phase reactant, the causal mechanisms remain unclarified.
- Conclusions
Elevated blood copper levels are consistently associated with chronic inflammatory conditions; however, the available evidence is currently inconclusive to warrant revisions to established copper dietary intake recommendations.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10710866/