Copper deficiency is associated with decreased ceruloplasmin.

• A. Increased ceruloplasmin
• B. Decreased ceruloplasmin
• C. Normal ceruloplasmin
• D. Unchanged ceruloplasmin

Answer: (B)

Copper availability directly influences ceruloplasmin synthesis and activity. Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing ferroxidase produced in the liver, and adequate copper is required for its proper folding and incorporation of copper. In copper deficiency, the liver cannot load copper onto ceruloplasmin, leading to reduced circulating ceruloplasmin levels and diminished ferroxidase activity. Therefore, copper deficiency is associated with decreased ceruloplasmin. It would not typically be increased or unchanged, since the copper-dependent synthesis is impaired.