How is copper usually excreted from the body?

How is copper usually excreted from the body?

• A. 60% in urine
• B. 80% of copper is excreted in the bile
• C. 50% in sweat
• D. 90% in feces

Answer: (B)

Copper is eliminated mainly through the bile. After absorption, copper is delivered to the liver, where hepatocytes excrete excess copper into bile via specific transporters. This copper in bile is released into the intestine and exits the body in feces, making fecal excretion the major route. A small portion is eliminated in urine, but urinary excretion is minimal compared with biliary excretion. In healthy individuals, about 80% of copper is excreted via bile, with the remainder handled through other minor routes.

Copper is eliminated mainly through the bile. After absorption, copper is delivered to the liver, where hepatocytes excrete excess copper into bile via specific transporters. This copper in bile is released into the intestine and exits the body in feces, making fecal excretion the major route. A small portion is eliminated in urine, but urinary excretion is minimal compared with biliary excretion. In healthy individuals, about 80% of copper is excreted via bile, with the remainder handled through other minor routes.