Metabolic pathway of copper

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Copper is present in most foods and is necessary for normal growth and development.
Diagrams I-IV show the way copper is metabolized in healthy subjects, and in people with Wilson's disease (without treatment and with treatment).

Diagram I: healthy subjects: intake and excretion is well balanced

Diagram II: Wilson's disease patients before treatment: reduced excretion and retention of copper

 Diagram III: Wilson's disease patients on zinc therapy: enhanced faecal excretion of copper

Diagram IV: Wilson's disease patients on chelator therapy: enhanced urinary excretion of copper