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| Good Health with Copper |
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| Hereditary Diseases |
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  Three
very uncommon genetic diseases are associated with the improper utilization
of copper in the body. All three of these diseases involve mutations
of genes containing the genetic codes for the production of proteins
involved in the absorption and distribution of copper in the body.
Since these diseases are hereditary, reducing copper levels in the
diet or drinking water will not provide any relief from these conditions.
Menkes Disease is an X-linked, fatal disorder that causes a failure
in the liver's ability to absorb copper. This leads to a serious copper
deficiency in the body.
Wilson's Disease is a genetic disorder that causes an excess of copper
to build up in the liver. The disease can now be managed through therapy.
Idiopathic Copper Toxicosis (ICT) is an extremely rare childhood disease
that was once found only in remote, rural communities. ICT leads to
a build-up of copper in the liver, causing cirrhosis, which can be
fatal. Today, ICT occurs only in isolated, rare cases.
Genetic research aimed at identifying and screening for the genes
associated with these illnesses is a matter of intensive, ongoing
scientific activity today. The International Copper Association has
taken a major role in funding this research in order to gain a better
understanding of the mechanisms of the disease and find a cure. |
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