Copper
An essential trace mineral needed for iron metabolism, connective tissue, and antioxidant enzymes.
Typical reference range
| Range | Unit |
|---|---|
| 11–22 | umol/l |
What Copper measures
Copper is an essential trace mineral your body needs in small amounts to make red blood cells and healthy connective tissue, and to support nerve function and a working immune system. It also helps several enzymes do their jobs, including those involved in energy production and iron handling.
Most of the copper circulating in your blood is carried on a protein called ceruloplasmin, so copper and ceruloplasmin levels tend to move together. Because copper works closely with other nutrients, it is sometimes tested alongside zinc and ceruloplasmin to give a fuller picture. A single copper measurement reflects a snapshot in time and is best understood together with these related results and your overall health.
What a high Copper can mean
A higher copper result does not point to one single cause. Several everyday and physiological factors can raise it, including:
- Inflammation or infection, which can push copper up as part of the body's response
- Pregnancy or estrogen exposure, such as from some hormonal medications, which raise ceruloplasmin and therefore copper
- Excess intake from supplements or other sources
There is also a rare inherited condition, Wilson's disease, in which the body handles copper abnormally. This is not diagnosed from a single copper value; it is assessed with additional tests chosen by a clinician. A high result is most meaningful when interpreted in context, taking account of your symptoms, medications, and other laboratory findings rather than viewed in isolation.
What a low Copper can mean
A lower copper result can arise for several reasons and is best understood alongside related tests. Common contributors include:
- Malabsorption, where the gut takes up less copper from food
- Certain gastrointestinal surgeries that change how nutrients are absorbed
- Very high zinc intake, often from supplements, which competes with and blocks copper absorption
When copper falls to a marked deficiency, it can affect blood cell counts and, in some cases, nerve function. Because these effects overlap with many other conditions, a low result usually prompts a clinician to look at the wider picture, including zinc, ceruloplasmin, and your intake and medical history, before drawing any conclusions or deciding on next steps.
Track your Copper over time in Quanome — it reads your lab reports (PDF or photo) on your device, charts each marker against its range, and an AI coach explains what your trends mean alongside your Apple Health and DNA.