Absorption of Copper in Malabsorption Syndromes*

Abstract

Moderate to marked depression of serum ceruloplasmin below the lower limit of normal values (20 mg/100 ml) was observed in 12 of 50 patients with malabsorption due to various small bowel diseases. Of the 12 patients, 4 were studied with Cu64 given by mouth and by vein. In these 4 patients greatly decreased intestinal absorption of copper and normal or higher than usual rates of synthesis of ceruloplasmin were demonstrable. The authors concluded that the defect in Cu metabolism encountered in some patients with severe malabsorption was due to failure to absorb Cu, rather than to synthesize ceruloplasmin. Alterations of less severity were encountered in 3 other patients given oral Cu64 only.