CERULOPLASMIN

Ceruloplasmin is a protein that carries 65-90% of copper found in the blood to the sites that need it. It is made by the liver. Ceruloplasmin is decreased in a congenital condition called Wilson's disease in which there is a build up of copper in the body with damage to the tissues. Copper deficiency is seen in malabsorption, malnutrition, Menkes disease where copper is not properly absorbed by the intestines & high levels of dietary zinc which competes for absorption of copper in the intestines.