Editing Copper (section)

===Deficiency===
Because of its role in facilitating iron uptake, [[copper deficiency]] can produce [[anemia]]-like symptoms, [[neutropenia]], bone abnormalities, hypopigmentation, impaired growth, increased incidence of infections, osteoporosis, hyperthyroidism, and abnormalities in glucose and cholesterol metabolism. Conversely, [[Wilson's disease]] causes an accumulation of copper in body tissues.

Severe deficiency can be found by testing for low plasma or serum copper levels, low ceruloplasmin, and low red blood cell superoxide dismutase levels; these are not sensitive to marginal copper status. The "cytochrome c oxidase activity of leucocytes and platelets" has been stated as another factor in deficiency, but the results have not been confirmed by replication.<ref name="Bonhametal2002">{{cite journal|last1=Bonham |first1= Maxine |last2= O'Connor |first2= Jacqueline M. |last3= Hannigan |first3= Bernadette M. |last4= Strain |first4= J.J.|date=2002|title=The immune system as a physiological indicator of marginal copper status? |journal=British Journal of Nutrition|doi=10.1079/BJN2002558|pmid=12010579|volume=87|issue=5|pages=393–403|doi-access=free}}</ref>