HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Copper and SMIM1: What Your Genetics May Mean for Copper Status

Copper is an essential trace mineral that supports energy production, immune function, connective tissue formation, and iron utilization. Variations near the SMIM1 gene can influence how your body manages copper, potentially altering absorption, distribution, or utilization. These genetic findings describe a predisposition, not a diagnosis. Your diet, lifestyle, medications, and health status all matter at least as much as genetics. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or medical care.

How SMIM1 Variants May Affect Copper

The SMIM1 gene is primarily known for roles in red blood cell biology, but research indicates certain variants can be linked to small differences in copper status. These differences may change your likelihood of having lower-than-optimal copper levels. Copper is involved in many processes, including:

  • Energy production via mitochondrial enzymes
  • Immune cell function and antioxidant defense
  • Connective tissue formation through enzymes that build collagen and elastin
  • Iron metabolism and hemoglobin synthesis

Understanding your SMIM1 genotype can help guide attention to dietary sources and lifestyle factors that support balanced copper levels.

Dietary Recommendations to Support Copper

Focus on a varied diet that includes natural, copper-rich foods. Most people get enough copper from food when eating a balanced diet. Key food sources include:

  • Organ meats such as liver
  • Shellfish, particularly oysters and lobster
  • Nuts and seeds including cashews, almonds, sunflower and sesame seeds
  • Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas
  • Whole grains like quinoa, barley, and oats
  • Leafy green vegetables including spinach and Swiss chard
  • Dark chocolate with higher cacao content

Eating a mix of these foods across the week helps maintain steady copper intake. For people who do not eat animal products, a focus on nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains can help meet needs.

Supplement and Medication Considerations

  • Do not start copper supplements without consulting your healthcare provider. Excess copper can be harmful and may cause symptoms or interact with conditions like Wilson disease.
  • If a blood test shows low copper, your clinician may recommend targeted supplementation with monitored dosing and follow up testing.
  • High zinc intake from supplements can reduce copper absorption. Avoid long term high dose zinc unless medically indicated and supervised.
  • Certain medications and conditions can affect copper status. Discuss prescription and over the counter medications with your clinician during evaluation.

Lifestyle, Testing, and Monitoring

  • Routine multi nutrient testing is not necessary for everyone. If you have symptoms suggestive of copper deficiency such as unusual fatigue, low white blood cell counts, or problems with connective tissue, talk to your healthcare provider about testing.
  • Blood tests that may be used include serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and in select cases 24 hour urinary copper or specialized testing. Interpretation is clinical and should be done by a provider.
  • Maintain a balanced diet and avoid chronic high dose zinc supplementation unless prescribed. Excessive alcohol use and some gastrointestinal conditions can affect mineral absorption.
  • Inform your clinician of family history of disorders that affect copper handling, such as Wilson disease.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles (AA) — Increased predisposition to lower copper

If your genotype is AA at rs1175550 you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased risk for lower copper levels compared to people without this profile. This is a predisposition and not a diagnosis. Many people with this genotype maintain normal copper status through diet and health practices.

Practical steps

  • Prioritize copper-rich foods several times per week, especially shellfish, organ meats, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and leafy greens.
  • Avoid long term high dose zinc supplements unless monitored by a clinician. Short term, low dose zinc for specific indications is acceptable under guidance.
  • Discuss screening with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that could reflect low copper or if you have other risk factors such as malabsorption or gastric surgery.
  • If testing reveals low copper, follow provider recommendations for supplementation and follow up tests. Do not self-prescribe high dose copper supplements.
1 effect allele (AG) — Slightly reduced copper tendency

If your genotype is AG at rs1175550 you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a small tendency toward lower copper levels compared to those without the effect allele. It does not mean you are deficient.

Practical steps

  • Include copper rich foods regularly in your diet: nuts, seeds, legumes, seafood, whole grains, and leafy greens.
  • Avoid unnecessary high dose zinc supplementation over time. If you take zinc regularly, discuss dose and need with your clinician.
  • Consider periodic evaluation if you develop relevant symptoms or have other risk factors for poor absorption.
0 effect alleles (GG) — Typical copper handling

If your genotype is GG at rs1175550 you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common configuration and is associated with typical copper management. No special dietary changes are needed based solely on this marker.

Practical steps

  • Maintain a balanced, varied diet that naturally provides copper along with other nutrients.
  • Only supplement copper if directed by your healthcare provider after testing shows a need.
  • Monitor zinc supplementation and medication use that could affect copper over the long term.

When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you have persistent unexplained fatigue, unusual infections, or other signs of impaired immune function.
  • If blood tests show low hemoglobin or abnormal blood cell counts without clear cause.
  • If you have gastrointestinal conditions, recent bariatric surgery, or other reasons to suspect poor nutrient absorption.
  • If you are taking long term high dose zinc or multiple supplements that could affect copper balance.

PlexusDx provides genetic education and risk information only. This content is not medical advice. Always review genetic findings and any planned diet, supplement, or treatment changes with your healthcare provider. They can order appropriate testing, interpret results in your clinical context, and recommend personalized care.