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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Copper deficiency and sideroblastic anemia associated with zinc ingestion
S R Simon1, R F Branda, B F Tindle
1Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgy, Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
Anemia and neutropenia developed in a man who took pharmacologic doses of supplemental zinc. Laboratory investigation showed high zinc level, hypocupremia, low ceruloplasmin level, and ringed sideroblasts. All resolved after withdrawal of zinc. Self-administered zinc appears to have caused severe copper deficiency, with secondary anemia and neutropenia. Physicians should be aware of this deleterious and completely reversible effect of megadose mineral therapy. Zinc ingestion or exposure should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained anemia, leukopenia, or sideroblastic anemia.
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