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Copper deficiency and lung health?
I suppose I am guilty of too much research…always hoping to find the magical elixir for our problems with the lovely lungs.
A few months ago, I started taking zinc after reading about it here. I never thought about what repercussions and imbalances might occur.
Then today, I stumbled on some information about how taking zinc could cause a copper shortage. So I started reading about copper and the symptoms a person would have who doesn’t have enough copper in their body and also, the different scenarios which could cause a copper deficiency.
One thing led to another, and then I started looking into whether or not correcting a copper deficiency would improve lung function in a person with lung disease. From what I found, this is the case.
That leads me to wonder why things like this are not routinely checked. It would be easy enough to do.
Here’s one little blip AI popped out about correcting the lack of copper and the effect on the lungs:
“Correcting a copper deficiency can potentially have a positive impact on oxygen levels for people with lung problems. Here are some key points based on real-time information:
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- Chronic inflammation can lead to significant decreases in lung copper content,
indicating that copper deficiency may play a
role in lung health.- Copper deficiency-induced lung cell changes could contribute to
conditions like emphysema, affecting respiratory function.- Low copper levels can cause symptoms like weakness and fatigue,
highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate copper levels.- Increasing the activity of copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase
(CuZnSOD) enzyme, which is crucial for oxygen free radical defense, may
help protect against oxidative stress in
the lungs.In summary, addressing a copper deficiency may support lung health and potentially improve oxygen levels for individuals with lung problems. It is essential to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options.”
Has anyone else ever wondered about this?
- Chronic inflammation can lead to significant decreases in lung copper content,
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5 Replies
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I am a researcher also Judy and I’m currently taking zinc supplement but NOT COPPER ‼️
I have recently felt a setback in the last two months and I contributed to my pulmonary therapy session ending .
Have you begun taking the copper and if so what brand and are you going to continue to take the zinc supplement‼️
I would be very interested to know if you have experienced any different since starting your copper supplement treatment!!!
Anxiously awaiting your reply 🤗
MARILYN
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Hi Marilyn!
Yes, I did start taking Copper right after my post. I’m taking Thorne Copper Bisglycinate 2mg and Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30mg. From what I understand, taking the Zinc alone causes Copper to decline.
Since starting the copper, I had to decrease the oxygen output on my machine (from 3 to 2.5) because my oxygen levels were getting too high. This has never happened to me before. It’s always been slowly, periodically, having to bump up the oxygen.
I also seem to have more energy and breathe a little better. My oxygen level still decreases quite quickly when I’m moving around trying to do a little housework or laundry, but maybe not quite as bad.
That being said, I’m don’t know for a fact that adding the copper is what caused this, but it’s the only thing I’ve changed.
Whatever it is, I’ll take it – at this point.
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And Marilyn,
I ordered the copper on April 9th, so I must have been taking it since around April 13th.
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Judy,
Sorry for delay in responding. I went down a dark tunnel since my post and just logged in for the first time since your post!
I’m back in pulmonary therapy but it’s not the same experience this time around. I re-started folic acid about 2wks ago and will now add the copper, I will try anything to regain any strength in my lungs! I am experiencing muscle soreness and dehydration now.
Maybe adding the copper will balance it out. I am going to make a habit of using this platform as much as possible.
I believe if we are pro-active in advocating what our IMMEDIATE concerns are, WE. WILL ALL beat this diagnosis🙏🏽
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AI gives incorrect information at times so use actual medical studies through PubMed and GoogleScholar to research medical questions so you aren’t following incorrect information.
If you have a copper deficiency, you will also have “microcytic anemia “ that is, small sized red blood cells that are deficient in hemoglobin, diagnosed from a hemogram blood test, which doesn’t respond to iron supplements. Severe cases of copper deficiency result in neuropathy. Copper deficiency is rarer than zinc deficiency in the USA partly because many old houses have copper water pipes, copper-sulfate is sprayed on crops, boosting the copper content of plant foods grown in the USA, and in women, copper-containing intra-uterine devices seep copper into the body.
Some individuals retain copper due to genetic variations. This interferes with biochemical processes upstream of neurotransmitter production, resulting in clinical depression.
Copper and zinc compete for the same carrier protein in the body so taking them as supplements can disrupt normal metabolism.
If you can manage to increase the frequency of eating foods with these micronutrients, that might be a safer option than taking supplements. Here’s a list of high-copper foods https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrient-ranking-tool/copper/all/highest/household/common/no
And here’s the same tool filtered for high zinc foods https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrient-ranking-tool/zinc/all/highest/household/common/no
I work in this field and hope I am not being too preachy.
tools.myfooddata.com
Nutrient ranking of Foods Highest in Copper. View this page to change filters and save or print your own food list.
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