Copper deficiency

Copper deficiency
Other namesHypocupremia
Ring Sideroblast smear, a sign of copper deficiency in the blood.
SpecialtyEndocrinology 
Risk factorsAlcoholism, gastric bypass surgery

Copper deficiency, or hypocupremia, is defined as insufficient copper to meet the body's needs, or as a serum copper level below the normal range. Symptoms may include fatigue, decreased red blood cells, early greying of the hair, and neurological problems presenting as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and ataxia. The neurodegenerative syndrome of copper deficiency has been recognized for some time in ruminant animals, in which it is commonly known as "swayback". Copper deficiency can manifest in parallel with vitamin B12 and other nutritional deficiencies.

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