Caeruloplasmin

Overview

Caeruloplasmin is a protein found in your blood that carries copper throughout your body. Imagine it as a special delivery service for copper, which is a vital mineral needed in small amounts for various functions like energy production, forming connective tissue, and supporting your brain and immune system. Caeruloplasmin also helps your body use iron properly by converting it into a form that can be transported in the blood. By measuring caeruloplasmin levels, doctors can gain insights into how well your body is handling copper and iron. If levels are not within the normal range, it might indicate issues like Wilson's disease, where copper builds up in the body and can harm organs like the liver and brain. This biomarker acts as a window into your body's mineral balance and overall health, especially concerning your liver and nervous system.

Testing Levels:

• High (0.6 g/L) - When caeruloplasmin levels are higher than normal, it may indicate that your body is responding to stress or inflammation. Conditions like infections, rheumatoid arthritis, or certain cancers can cause levels to rise. Pregnancy and oestrogen therapy can also naturally elevate levels. High caeruloplasmin levels are generally less concerning than low levels but might prompt your doctor to investigate underlying causes of inflammation or other conditions that could be affecting your health.
  
  
• Mid - Having caeruloplasmin levels within the normal range is a good sign that your body is handling copper properly, and there are no obvious issues with inflammation or liver function related to caeruloplasmin production. It suggests that your mineral balance and overall metabolism are functioning well, contributing to good health.
  
  If your caeruloplasmin levels are near the upper limit of normal, it could mean your body is experiencing mild inflammation or stress. This might also be normal for you, especially if you're pregnant or taking oestrogen-containing medications. Your doctor may consider whether any recent illnesses or medications could be influencing your levels, but often no immediate action is needed unless there are other health concerns.
  
  If your caeruloplasmin levels are near the lower limit of normal, it could suggest that your body might not be producing enough caeruloplasmin. This could be due to early stages of a condition like Wilson's disease or issues with liver function. Your doctor might recommend further tests to ensure everything is alright and to catch any potential problems early on.
  
  
• Low (0.2 g/L) - Lower-than-normal caeruloplasmin levels can indicate a problem with how your body handles copper. In Wilson's disease, low levels of caeruloplasmin mean copper isn't being transported properly, leading to copper buildup in organs like the liver and brain, which can cause serious health problems. Low levels could also result from liver disease or malnutrition. It's important to follow up with your doctor to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment to prevent complications.

Why We Test Caeruloplasmin

Testing caeruloplasmin levels can help detect problems with copper metabolism, such as Wilson's disease. It also provides information about liver function and inflammation in your body. If you have symptoms like fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or neurological issues, or if there's a family history of copper metabolism disorders, this test can be important for diagnosis and guiding treatment. Monitoring this biomarker helps ensure that copper levels stay balanced, supporting overall health.

What Affects It

Several factors can influence caeruloplasmin levels in your blood. Genetic conditions like Wilson's disease can lower levels because your body isn't processing copper properly. Inflammation or infections can cause levels to rise, as your body produces more caeruloplasmin in response to stress. Pregnancy and taking oestrogen-containing medications, such as certain birth control pills, can naturally increase caeruloplasmin levels. Since this protein is made in the liver, liver diseases can affect how much is produced. Therefore, both your liver health and overall bodily functions can change your caeruloplasmin levels.

How to Improve

If your caeruloplasmin levels are high or close to being high due to inflammation or stress, addressing the underlying cause can help bring them back to normal. This might involve treating an infection or managing a chronic condition with the help of your healthcare provider. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can also support normal levels. If levels are low or close to being low, treatment focuses on the underlying cause. In the case of Wilson's disease, medications that help remove excess copper from your body are used, along with dietary changes to reduce copper intake. Ensuring good nutrition and supporting liver health can also help improve caeruloplasmin levels. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation and to receive personalised advice.

Common Name: Caeruloplasmin