Nutrients
Serum Copper
Unit: μg/dLID: N006
What This Test Measures
Enzymatic cofactor, iron metabolism, connective tissue
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
70-140 μg/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
90-130 μg/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Gabriel's optimal band for copper is 90-130. Excess copper (>130) = oxidative stress, anxiety, estrogen dominance. Deficiency = anemia. Copper competes with zinc, so balance matters. Birth control pills raise copper. Copper IUD can raise serum copper.
When This Test Is High
Wilson's disease (genetic), copper toxicity
When This Test Is Low
Deficiency (rare), malabsorption
Related Conditions
Copper excess: oxidative stress; Deficiency: anemia, neuropathy
Recommended Follow-Up
Check zinc:copper ratio; if high, consider ceruloplasmin, rule out Wilson's disease