Low copper and protein flagged in blood results

[ubonr1971]

Im middle aged living in Thailand. Ive been low on copper for many years and have blood results as evidence. Ive been taking 2mg of copper for ages but never been able to get the levels up. Last month an endocrynologist told me to take 2mg in the morning and 2mg at night. She said take 30mg zinc at lunchtime. I tried this for 2 weeks and had to lower both doses due to side effects. Last month copper was low at 687.62 (range 800-1100). This week its 725.44.  

 

Last month my zinc was low at 56.62 (range 70 to 120). This week its 68. 

 

I have dialated cardiomyopathy as well and some minor issues with my heart. 

 

A month ago urine analysis showed Protein trace A.  

 

This week dr tested for Wilsons disease Ceruloplasmin and my level was 0.200. (range 0.200 to .600)

 

Anyways I checked what dr chatgbt says and it suggests impaired copper metabolism. ie my body is not properly transporting or retaining copper. Its suggesting Liver function tests and check for neurologic or ophthalmologic evaluation (whatever that is)

 

I seem to remember 2 yrs ago they did a scan on my liver which flagged something in the images. I will have to go back and check this

 

So the reason for writing all this is to ask if anyone knows a good specialist that can help me diagnose and sort this out. I think my edocrynologist has no idea. Bangkok based specialist is ok. Do you agree a liver dr would be a good idea? Im wondering if I should do genetic testing for wilsons and menkes disease?

 

thanks

 

 

[Sheryl]

Nothing you have said suggests liver disease except for this unspecified "something in the images", which you need to look up and specify.

 

I assume your liver enzymes are in normal range?

 

And your blood count OK?

 

Some people just have a genetic predisposition towards low copper.  For what reason did you measure copper levels in the first place?

 

Zinc competes with copper for absorption, how long have you been taking zinc and for what reason?

 

Have you ever had any GI surgery?

 

What medications are you on? Some can affect micronutrient absorption.

 

Most importantly - what is your alcohol consumption like? Alcohol reduces absorption of both zinc and copper as well as oyher essential nutrients.

 

There is an old saying, "treat the patient, not the numbers". Due to the ready availability of on demand lab tests I see a lot of people in Thailand unnecessarily treating/worrying about lab tests results despite being perfectly healthy.  Putting these "numbers" aside, do you feel well? If not - in what way?

 

Stay off the AI, it will just mislead you.

[ubonr1971]

40 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I assume your liver enzymes are in normal range?

 

And your blood count OK?

Yes, my liver blood tests are within normal range

 

Other bloods: WBC Lymphocyte 40.4 L, Neutrophil 43.8L, Eosinophil 5.7 H,   RBC Hemoglobin 13.7 L   

Vitamin D 27

 

46 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Some people just have a genetic predisposition towards low copper.  For what reason did you measure copper levels in the first place?

3 yrs ago significant memory issues. Dr tested many things and it was flagged

 

47 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Zinc competes with copper for absorption, how long have you been taking zinc and for what reason?

 

1 month bc it was flagged as deficient by the dr taking the blood test. I had low labido and asked for that to be tested

 

47 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Have you ever had any GI surgery?

no

 

48 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

What medications are you on

Entresto 50mg twice a day. My heart function is back to normal now but dr says I have to keep taking it. 

 

48 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

what is your alcohol consumption like?

Rarely drink now. Maybe a beer sometimes. 

 

 

Overall, I think you are correct. Do nothing. I think I will up the dose again suggested by the dr a month ago. Take 2mg copper in morning. 30mg zinc lunch and 2mg copper again. I have changed the brand of zinc and see if I can persist with that regime for a month and re test copper and zinc after a month. 

 

thanks