Hi, My neurologist has recommended that I take a copper supplement.

Component Standard Range Your Value
Copper, 24H Ur 15 - 60 mcg/spec 14
Copper Conc 15 - 60 mcg/L 5

Doctor's Comment: Your copper level is low based upon this testing. I would advice you begin taking an oral copper supplement (typically over-the-counter and available at specialty stores such as GNC). I would take the recommended amount (depending upon the formulation you purchase) every day for at least 3 months. Then we can consider repeating the testing at some point down the line.

Thanks, Elaine

are you taking zinc supplements? It is not common to be low in copper. Most multivits have copper in them, and we get copper
thru our water pipes.

But if you take alot of zinc, it will deplete copper.

Low copper levels are found in MS patients.

more here:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dru...ation/DR602273

There are quality ways to go other than the overpriced GNC...

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02871/copper.html

One of the cardinal signs of low copper is anemia. Do you have
anemia?

I don't take zinc supplements. I take a regular multivitamin and eat a complete range of foods.

I'm completely baffled by this, of course. I guess I need to supplement at 2mg per day. I just wondered if it made any difference which supplement?

Yes I am anemic and take iron twice a day, and have normal levels of iron. Without the supplement I become anemic again very quickly.

The anemia is idiopathic. I also have PN. I have NOT had bariatric surgery. I'm 71 years old. This is just odd. I do have hypogammaglobulinemia (CVID).

I had a spinal tap in 2010, and do not have MS. I am seeing a Duke Neurologist who ordered this 24 hour urine copper test.

I'm truly baffled by this. But I have no idea how serious the deficiency is. I can't find any web site that scales the levels of deficiency.

Elaine

Just get a quality brand. There are many and most are chelated.

This is an example of a quality one:
http://www.iherb.com/Solgar-Chelated...0&sr=null&ic=3

and
http://www.iherb.com/Thorne-Research...0&sr=null&ic=9

Look on your multivit label...for copper content.
Is your multivit a good brand?

So I started the copper supplement on Friday, and today I noticed that the tingling in my hands and face is gone. Maybe just for today? Maybe for longer.

I don't have the same neuropathy in my hands that I have in my legs, because it doesn't show up on an EMG. More like something else?

What I don't know. But it's gone for today. Staying tuned!

Hugs. Elaine

Your anemia might be from low copper....so keep on top of that
and you may have to change your iron intake based on testing.

You don't want to be taking alot of iron, if you no longer need it.

The MS forum here posts sometimes about low copper. You might want to read those posts too.
example:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ghlight=copper

Severe anemia reduces oxygen to the periphery of the body. Then that reduction in oxygen leads to the tingling etc.