What are the symptoms and hazards of excessive copper?
Excessive copper levels can lead to symptoms and health risks such as gastrointestinal discomfort, liver dysfunction, neurological abnormalities, skin and mucous membrane lesions, and kidney function impairment. Long-term accumulation may damage multiple organ systems. If persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, or limb tremors occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Digestive discomfort: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, hematemesis (vomiting blood) and melena (black tarry stools) may occur due to inflammation or injury of the gastrointestinal mucosa caused by copper irritation, which affects digestion and absorption.
2. Liver damage: Early signs include elevated transaminase levels, potentially progressing to fatty liver, cirrhosis, or even liver failure in later stages. Excessive copper deposition in the liver disrupts hepatocyte structure and function.
3. Neurological abnormalities: These may manifest as memory decline, difficulty concentrating, and limb tremors. Severe cases may involve unsteady gait and cognitive impairment, resulting from copper-induced disruption of neurotransmitter synthesis and signal transmission.
4. Skin lesions: Blue-green pigmentation may appear on the skin, commonly on the face and neck. Copper accumulation in skin tissues may also trigger eczema or dermatitis, accompanied by itching and flaking.
5. Kidney abnormalities: Symptoms include proteinuria, hematuria, and reduced kidney function. As copper is excreted through the kidneys, it can damage renal tubules; prolonged exposure may lead to chronic kidney disease and impair the elimination of metabolic waste.
Treatment involves reducing intake of high-copper foods, supporting metabolism with a low-copper diet, drinking plenty of water to promote excretion, avoiding copper cookware and utensils, maintaining regular sleep patterns to protect liver and kidney function, and undergoing regular monitoring of copper levels in the body.
