Dr. Paul Chek, in his work related to Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), distinguishes between three types of copper: hidden copper, biounavailable copper, and toxic copper. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Hidden Copper:

Refers to copper that is present in the body but is not actively circulating or not easily accessible for the body to use. It’s typically stored in tissues such as the liver or brain, and although it’s there, the body cannot use it effectively. It can sometimes be in a form that is bound or “locked up” in a way that prevents it from being metabolized or utilized.
Hidden copper can lead to a silent deficiency where copper levels appear normal or low on tests, but the body is not able to use it efficiently.

Biounavailable Copper:

Biounavailable copper refers to copper that is present in the body but is in a chemically inactive form because it’s bound to other substances or minerals (such as zinc, iron, or vitamin C), making it unavailable for cellular use. It’s copper that the body can’t effectively utilize even though it’s circulating or stored within tissues.
Biounavailable copper can contribute to copper deficiency symptoms, even though there might be enough copper in the body, it’s just not accessible for biological processes.

Toxic Copper:

Toxic copper occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of copper in the body, which can lead to toxicity and harm to various organs, including the liver, brain, and kidneys.
This can happen when there’s a dysregulation of copper metabolism, often linked to deficiencies or imbalances in other minerals, such as zinc. High levels of copper may be seen in HTMA results, and this is associated with symptoms of irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and neurological issues.
Toxic copper can disrupt cellular function, as copper is a powerful antioxidant when in balance, but becomes harmful at higher concentrations.

Key Differences:
Hidden copper: Copper is present but not readily accessible for use in the body.
Biounavailable copper: Copper is present but can’t be used due to interference from other nutrients or minerals.
Toxic copper: Excess copper accumulates in the body, causing toxicity and symptoms of imbalance.

All three types are related to how copper is handled by the body, with each contributing to copper imbalances in different ways. If you suspect copper issues, HTMA can be an insightful test to help identify the specific form of copper imbalance and guide appropriate treatment strategies. Please email me on hello@monikaholland.com to book your HTMA test.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or health regimen.

Photo by Samer Daboul: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-tea-cup-on-gray-surface-2102818/