Overestimation of copper deficiency
Suttle, N.
Veterinary Record 133(5): 123-124
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8212504 Document Number: 413860
The problems which occur when a high diagnostic threshold for hypocupraemia is used are discussed. It is suggested that to overcome the problems, the internationally recognized threshold (more than 9.4 micro mol Cu/litre plasma) should be used to assess hypocupraemia; second, one should proceed on the basis that it is a nutritional rather than a diagnostic threshold and that a further lowering of copper status (below 4 micro mol/litre) may be needed before health is compromised and hypocuprosis sets in.