Which micronutrient is toxic in excessive amounts?

Which micronutrient is toxic in excessive amounts?

• A. Iron
• B. Zinc
• C. Copper
• D. Manganese

Answer: (C)

Excess amounts of copper are toxic because, although it’s an essential trace mineral, it must be kept within a narrow range. Copper powers important enzymes, but when intake is too high it promotes oxidative stress and damages tissues, especially the liver and kidneys. The body normally regulates copper through absorption and biliary excretion, and genetic conditions like Wilson disease illustrate what happens when copper accumulates. Symptoms can start as gastrointestinal upset with acute exposure and progress to serious liver injury and neurological problems with chronic excess. Among the options, copper is the micronutrient most classically associated with toxicity from overconsumption, making it the best choice.

Excess amounts of copper are toxic because, although it’s an essential trace mineral, it must be kept within a narrow range. Copper powers important enzymes, but when intake is too high it promotes oxidative stress and damages tissues, especially the liver and kidneys. The body normally regulates copper through absorption and biliary excretion, and genetic conditions like Wilson disease illustrate what happens when copper accumulates. Symptoms can start as gastrointestinal upset with acute exposure and progress to serious liver injury and neurological problems with chronic excess. Among the options, copper is the micronutrient most classically associated with toxicity from overconsumption, making it the best choice.