What are deficiency symptoms of copper?

Because copper is involved in many functions of the body, copper deficiency produces an extensive range of symptoms. These symptoms include anemia, ruptured blood vessels, osteoporosis, joint problems, brain disturbances, elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, increased susceptibility to infections due to poor immune function, loss of pigment in the hair and skin, weakness, fatigue, breathing difficulties, skin sores, poor thyroid function, and irregular heart beat. Certain medical conditions including chronic diarrhea, celiac sprue, and Crohn's disease result in decreased absorption of copper and may increase the risk of developing a copper deficiency. Unlike most minerals, copper is absorbed from the stomach, and proper levels of stomach acid are important for this absorption. People with low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or those who take antacids may be at increased risk of copper deficiency. Because zinc can compete with copper and interfere with its absorption, people who supplement with inappropriately high levels of zinc and lower levels of copper may increase their risk of copper deficiency. Inadequate copper status can also occur in infants fed only cow's milk without supplemental copper.