The liver is the largest organ in the body. It plays an important role in digestion of fat and removal of toxins. Apart from catalyzing various biochemical reactions in the liver, liver enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and aminotransferases are also important indicators of disease or injury to the organ. Several conditions such as alcohol abuse, hepatitis and fatty liver disease elevate liver enzymes in the body. Certain minerals such as copper may also influence the levels of liver enzymes in the body.
Copper
Copper is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, myelin sheaths, collagen and the skin pigment melanin. Most of it is stored in the liver. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Your body needs 1,000 to 10,000 micrograms of copper per day, depending on your age and overall health, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Foods such as organ meats, nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes and black pepper have copper in them. Your doctor may also recommend specific doses of copper supplements to treat diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, burns and anemia.
Liver Enzymes
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have low levels of copper in their liver, which may be responsible for the inflammation associated with the condition, according to an article in the September 2010 issue of the “American Journal of Gastroenterology.” This may, in turn, lead to elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Another study, in the July 2011 issue of the “Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics,” also revealed that copper deficiency worsens liver injury and fibrosis associated with bile-duct ligation.
However, Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder characterized by increased accumulation of copper in the liver, also causes swelling and inflammation of the liver and abnormal liver enzyme levels. In fact, anyone with abnormal liver tests or liver diseases should be screened for Wilson’s disease, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Side Effects
Excessive consumption of copper supplements can cause upset stomach, headache, dizziness and a metallic taste in the mouth. Toxic reactions may occur rarely and lead to heart problems, jaundice, coma and death. Individuals with Wilson’s disease should not take copper supplements, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. The supplements may also interfere with certain pain and birth control medications.
Precautions
You should never use copper supplements without consulting a doctor. Also, make sure that the supplements have been tested for safety and efficacy by the Food and Drug Administration, or by an independent agency such as the United States Pharmacopeial Convention.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute: Copper
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; A Role for Low Hepatic Copper Concentrations in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Elmar Aigner et al.; September 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Wilson's Disease
- "Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics"; Copper Deficiency Exacerbates Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Injury and Fibrosis in Rats; M. Song et al.; July 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Copper
