Wilson's Disease
What Does It Mean?
Wilson's Disease is a rare inherited disorder that results in excessive copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and other organs due to a mutation in the ATP7B gene. This leads to copper toxicity, causing hepatic and neurological damage if left untreated.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Genetic Mutation – Mutations in the ATP7B gene impair copper transport and excretion.
- Copper Accumulation – The body is unable to properly eliminate excess copper, leading to toxic buildup.
- Liver Dysfunction – The liver’s inability to excrete copper results in hepatocellular damage.
- Neurological Impairment – Copper accumulation in the brain affects motor function and cognition.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Liver Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, hepatomegaly, cirrhosis.
- Neurological Symptoms: Tremors, dystonia, difficulty speaking, cognitive decline.
- Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, mood swings.
- Kayser-Fleischer Rings: Copper deposits in the cornea, visible as a brownish ring around the iris.
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| ALT (SGPT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| AST (SGOT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| AST:ALT Ratio | Elevated | 0.00-1.00 Ratio |
| Ceruloplasmin | Decreased | 18.00-21.00 mg/dL |
| Copper, Serum
Homocysteine |
Increased
Increased |
90.00-150.00 ug/dL
5.00-7.20 µmol/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Management involves reducing copper absorption, promoting detoxification, and supporting liver health.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports microbiome balance | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function & relaxation | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Zinc | Supports immune function and overall health | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Vita Buff-C Caps | Antioxidant support, boost immunity, and promote collagen synthesis | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Pax | Neurotransmitter & adrenal support | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| Vita DIM | Hormonal & detoxification support | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant & cellular detoxification | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| Advaclear | Supports detoxification, liver function, and metabolic balance with key nutrients and antioxidants | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation & energy production | 1 capsule without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Low-Copper Diet: Avoid copper-rich foods (shellfish, nuts, chocolate, liver).
- Liver Support: Incorporate liver-friendly nutrients such as milk thistle and N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
- Stress Management: Reduce stress to minimize neurological symptoms.
- Medical Monitoring: Regular liver function tests and copper assessments.