Zinc-Copper Imbalances

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Subject: Zinc-Copper Imbalances

Copper/Zinc Imbalance

The human body has an elaborate system for managing and regulating the amount of

key trace metals such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese, chromium, etc.

circulating in blood and stored in cells. Nutrient metals from our diet are (1)

incorporated into blood if blood levels are depleted, (2) transported into cells

if cellular levels are inadequate, or (3) excreted if blood and cell levels are

sufficient or overloaded. When this system fails to function properly, abnormal

levels of trace metals can develop in the brain and other parts of the body. One

of the most common trace-metal imbalances is elevated copper and depressed zinc

(the optimal plasma or serum ratio is 0.70 - 1.00). The ratio of copper to zinc

is clinically more important than the concentration of either of these trace

metals.

Copper and zinc are regarded as neurotransmitters and are in high concentrations

in brain hippocampus. As a result elevated copper and depressed zinc have been

associated with hyperactivity, attention deficit disorders, behavior disorders,

and depression. Also, many of those labeled with autism and paranoid

schizophrenia have elevated blood copper levels in addition to other biochemical

imbalances.

It has been reported (HRI-PTC) that 80% of hyperactive patients and 68% of

behavior-disordered patients have elevated blood copper levels. Their families

often report worsened hyperactivity/behavior after consuming vitamin supplements

or cereals rich in copper. In many cases, symptoms may be provoked by consuming

chocolate (rich in copper) or food dyes rich in hydrazines, which lower blood

zinc levels.

Many high-copper patients (often labeled " depressives " ) experience severe PMS,

are intolerant to estrogen, and may have a family history of postpartum

depression. This group also has a high incidence of acne, eczema, sensitive

skin, sunburn, headaches, poor immune function, and white spots under their

fingernails.

Elevated copper/zinc ratios can be especially serious for persons with low blood

histamine (over-methylation). This combination of imbalances has been associated

with anxiety, panic disorders, paranoia, and (in severe cases) hallucinations.

Copper and zinc levels are regulated by metallothionein, a short linear protein

composed of 61 amino acid units. When this protein fails to perform its

necessary functions, abnormal levels of nutrient metals (such as copper, zinc,

and manganese) and toxic metals (such as cadmium, mercury, and lead) can result.

Nutrient treatment to eliminate these overloads must be cautious and gradual to

avoid worsening of symptoms and kidney damage. From E.P. Heleniak and D.M.

Frechen in their report, “Histamine methylation in Schizophrenia,†(Medical

Hypothesis, 1989, 30:167-174), if the laboratory tests showed a high copper:low

zinc ratio and low histamine levels, folate, vitamins C and B6, niacin, zinc,

penicillamine (chelates copper), a high protein diet, and essential fatty acids

as in evening primrose oil reportedly often improved these patients thinking.

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