Why is liver failure associated with copper toxicity?

Why is liver failure associated with copper toxicity?

• A. Copper absorption is decreased in liver disease
• B. Copper excretion occurs via lungs
• C. About 80% copper excreted in bile, so liver disease requires monitoring and reducing supplementation
• D. Copper is stored in bone and not excreted

Answer: (C)

Copper balance depends on the liver to eliminate excess copper by excreting into bile. About 80% of copper is excreted this way, so when liver function is impaired, biliary excretion drops and copper can accumulate, leading to toxicity. That’s why liver disease requires monitoring and often reducing copper supplementation to prevent buildup. The other ideas aren’t the main reason: excretion via the lungs is not a major pathway, bone storage isn’t the primary copper reservoir, and absorption isn’t decreased in liver disease as the key driver of toxicity.

Copper balance depends on the liver to eliminate excess copper by excreting into bile. About 80% of copper is excreted this way, so when liver function is impaired, biliary excretion drops and copper can accumulate, leading to toxicity. That’s why liver disease requires monitoring and often reducing copper supplementation to prevent buildup. The other ideas aren’t the main reason: excretion via the lungs is not a major pathway, bone storage isn’t the primary copper reservoir, and absorption isn’t decreased in liver disease as the key driver of toxicity.