THE TEACHING CONNECTION
Copper amount and copper handling are different questions
Copper amount and copper handling are different questions
Dr. Purser’s course discusses copper, zinc and metallothionein in its fibromyalgia and mineral teaching. It distinguishes a copper-handling discussion from a simple instruction to take more copper, and asks about food-associated flares, prior findings and current products.
Putting the pieces together
This is part of the Purser clinical model, not a diagnosis of copper overload from pain alone. The mineral chapter also connects copper and zinc with antioxidant systems. Restriction or replacement needs to match an assessed problem; blanket avoidance can create a different nutritional issue.
How supplementation is approached
Copper is not an automatic replacement recommendation. Dr. Purser’s approach compares the CMA finding with serum copper, ceruloplasmin, zinc, iron and liver context when available. Copper Balance-style support and direct copper supplementation serve different purposes and should not be confused.
Food sources
Shellfish; nuts; seeds; organ meats; whole grains.
Supplement forms
Copper gluconate, sulfate and bisglycinate.
A question to bring to your visit
Are we evaluating a measured deficiency, a suspected excess or a handling hypothesis, and what evidence distinguishes them?
What to track and reassess
Bring all copper- and zinc-containing products to the review. Conflicting serum and intracellular findings need a clinician’s interpretation before changing copper intake.
From starting support to follow-up
If you and your clinician start a CMA replenishment plan, you may add one new product at a time, often waiting 3–7 days to see how you feel. A check-in is usually planned near ten weeks during an approximately 100-day period. Follow your written plan for amounts and timing. At follow-up, you may continue, change, or stop each item. This timetable does not automatically end longer-term support.
MAKE SENSE OF YOUR COPPER RESULTS
Non-ceruloplasmin copper calculator
Use your zinc, total copper, and ceruloplasmin blood results to estimate NCC and the copper:zinc ratio.
How this estimate works
This uses the formula in Dr. Purser’s handout: NCC (µg/dL) = total copper (µg/dL) − 3 × ceruloplasmin (mg/dL). NCC percentage = NCC ÷ total copper × 100. Copper:zinc ratio = total copper ÷ zinc, using the same units.
Calculated NCC is an estimate. Test methods and how much copper is bound to ceruloplasmin can affect it. It differs from a direct lab measurement of labile or exchangeable copper. It cannot diagnose fibromyalgia or copper toxicity, or choose treatment for you. Read about the limits of calculated NCC at Mayo Clinic Laboratories ↗
Your entries stay on this page. They are not saved or sent anywhere.
Names you may see
Copper
EXPLORE WITH YOUR CARE TEAM
Supplements to explore
Compare the products below, including their ingredients and available forms. Your care team can help you choose one or more options for your needs.
SUPPLEMENT OPTIONS
Copper Balance
Compare supplement options related to Copper.
Different products offer different forms and amounts. Compare the labels with your clinician to find what fits your needs.
Tell your care team which supplements and medicines you already take. Check the product page for current ingredients, prices, and availability.
