You may have heard that I will be giving a lecture at the California Dental Association’s 2017 meeting.   In preparation for the lecture, I have come across some excellent information with the assistance of and dental resources from Dr. Armen Mardirossian of Mardirossian Periodontics and Implants.

The following Dental Resources are part of many of the resources I have used to complete this lecture series for the Dental Association. Periodontal disease can effect every body system and should be addressed to avoid further damage and complications. We can not over emphasize the importance of good dental care. In addition, following weight loss surgery, supplementation of vitamins and minerals is extremely important. Always seek the care of a professional when dealing with dental issues or other physical symptoms.

We are sharing these resources with our patient population in order to shed some light on this topic.  You can also find a previous webinar on the topic of Dental Issues After Weight Loss Surgery here.

For complete dental resources click  [ddownload id=”7052″ style=”link” text=”here (%filesize%)”].

Thank you Dr. Mardirossian for your assistance.

Copper is a trace element. It is a co-factor and enzyme that regulates iron metabolism and is essential in cell production, immune function, cellular energy storage, anti-oxidative effect, nerve transmission and connective tissue and bone development. There are several research article linking dental bone health, alveolar bone and tooth enamel wear, to copper levels.

Copper’s co-ezymes work with transferrin to transport the iron for red blood cell formation. It is important to also look at copper levels and intake when a patient is at risk for deficiencies when diagnosing anemia. It is interesting to note that anemia can show an abnormal high level of copper on laboratory studies.

People at risk for Copper deficiency are:

• Cow milk fed infants
• Low birth weight infants
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Malnutrition
• Malabsorptive syndromes
• Menkes Syndrome
• Gastric or Weight loss surgery
• Short bowel syndromes
• Sprue’s disease
• Total Parenteral Nutrition need
• Celiac Disease
• Cystic Fibosis

Deficiency can impair red cell production, causing anemia,  and cause iron overload in organs, such as liver, brain, or retina. It may also cause a decrease in neutrilphils, a type of white blood cell. Osteoporosis can also be a side effect of low copper intake. There have also been reports of neurologic syndrome in at risk patient who are deficient.

Recommended Daily Allowance for the average male and female is 900 mcg/daily. Pregnant women daily RDA is 1,00mcg/daily and breastfeeding mothers RDA is 1,300 mcg/daily. The highest tolerable dose for the average person is 10,000 mcg/daily.

Medications and supplements that can increase levels are estrogen, birth control pills, and Tagamet. Medications and supplements that lower levels are allopurinol and nifedipine. Penicillamine may lower copper level and decrease amounts of pencillamine. Copper binds with NSAIDS and may increase their effect. Zinc supplementation over an extended period can decrease absorption of copper.

Toxicity symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and  diarrhea.

This is not meant to be an all inclusive  or complete discussion. As always, consult with your physician based on your laboratory values regarding any supplementation.

Another article regarding Micro-elements for Bone Health