Description
Copper + Zinc Profile
What does this test measure?
A blood test that measures the levels of Copper and Zinc, two essential trace minerals, in serum. The balance between copper and zinc is important: copper is required for enzymes and iron metabolism, while zinc is crucial for immune function and many biochemical reactions. However, in conditions like inflammation or certain nutritional imbalances, copper may be high and zinc low.
Who is this test most suitable for?
- Those on long-term parenteral nutrition or restrictive diets
- Bariatric surgery patients (malabsorption)
- Individuals taking high-dose zinc or copper supplements (to monitor for imbalance)
Clinical Use
Clinically, this profile helps evaluate nutritional status (e.g. malnutrition or malabsorption can cause zinc deficiency), immune issues (chronic infections can depress zinc), or suspected copper overload (as in Wilson’s disease or copper supplementation). It’s also sometimes used to investigate anemia (since low copper can cause iron deficiency anemia) or neurological symptoms (excess copper can be neurotoxic, low zinc can cause taste changes or poor wound healing). The Cu/Zn ratio is sometimes looked at as an index of oxidative stress or inflammation as well.
