Copper/Zinc Ratio in Childhood and Adolescence: A Review

Abstract

Both copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are crucial micronutrients for human growth and development. This literature review covered the last five years of available evidence on the Cu/Zn ratio in children and adolescents. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct for publications between 2017 and 2022, especially in English, although publications in other languages with abstracts in English were included. The main terms used were “copper”, “zinc”, “copper-zinc”, and “zinc-copper” ratios. Cu and Zn determinations made in blood, plasma, or serum were included. This review comprises several cross-sectional and case–control studies with substantial results. The bibliographic search generated a compilation of 19 articles, in which 63.2% of the studies mostly reported a significantly higher Cu/Zn ratio, and 57.9% of them informed significantly lower levels of Zn. We conclude that children and adolescents with acute and chronic conditions are at greater risk of developing elevated Cu/Zn ratios, related to altered nutritional, infectious, and inflammatory status.

Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D Levels in a Series of Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In addition, CF patients may be at high risk of bacterial infections and worsening of lung function due to Vit-D deficiency because Vit-D can have antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties and act as a potent immunomodulator [37]. One patient had a high (copper) Cu/Zn ratio, indicating a possible severe bacterial infection [21,59,60]. Although patients with a positive culture had regular Vit-D intake, this consumption was significantly lower than those with a negative culture.…”

Combining Copper and Zinc into a Biosensor for Anti-Chemoresistance and Achieving Osteosarcoma Therapeutic Efficacy

“…Additional zinc was added to oral D-penicillamine [48] in Wilson disease therapy [49], which found efficacy in decreasing unnecessary copper absorption and chelation, resulting in side effects [50]. As a result, copper deficiency and excess are negatively related to zinc excess and deficiency [51][52]. Consequently, CuZn is used in therapies in our bodies, and their toxicity should be minimised and their use regulated to improve efficacy [13].…”

“…Copper is present in our bodies in an average amount of 100 mg [58]. A copper deficiency stops cell proliferation and spreading, but exceeding cellular needs will damage cell membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids [52]. This excessive copper will induce cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-2 in intracellular cells [59].…”

Combining Copper and Zinc into a Biosensor for Anti-Chemoresistance and Achieving Osteosarcoma Therapeutic Efficacy

“…Chronic high zinc consumption is toxic, as is myeloneuropathy [ 44 ], and inhibits copper absorption, causing copper deficiency or hypocupraemia [ 45 , 46 ]. Additional zinc was added to oral D-penicillamine [ 47 ] in Wilson disease therapy [ 48 ], which found efficacy in decreasing unnecessary copper absorption and chelation, resulting in side effects [ 49 ]. As a result, copper deficiency and excess are negatively related to zinc excess and deficiency.…”

“…Copper is present in our bodies in an average amount of 100 mg [ 55 ]. A copper deficiency stops cell proliferation and spreading, but exceeding cellular needs will damage cell membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids [ 49 ]. This excessive copper will induce cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-2 in intracellular cells [ 56 ].…”