Root Cause Profile

The Root Cause Protocol highlights the often-overlooked importance of bioavailable copper in human physiology. Copper plays several critical roles, especially in energy production—without it, mitochondria cannot function properly. It is also essential for erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells), the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thyroid function, neurotransmitter synthesis, and more.

The Root Cause Profile is a specific set of markers designed to assess this aspect of health. It includes the copper transport protein caeruloplasmin (often omitted from standard blood tests), retinol (true vitamin A, crucial for caeruloplasmin synthesis), and several other key indicators.

Interestingly ferritin, which is commonly used as a measure of iron status, is not a reliable indicator on its own. The profile incorporates a comprehensive iron panel, which is then analyzed alongside copper, caeruloplasmin, and other markers. This broader context helps reveal patterns that often explain symptoms misdiagnosed as iron-deficiency anaemia, when in fact the root issue may be the body’s inability to deliver bioavailable copper where it is needed.

THE ROOT CAUSE PROFILE PANEL OF TESTS INCLUDES:

FULL BLOOD COUNT (FBC)

Measures different blood cells to assess overall health

SERUM IRON

Measures the level of iron in the blood

SERUM TRANSFERRIN

Assesses the blood’s capacity to transport iron

FERRITIN

 Indicates stored iron in the body

SERUM COPPER

Reflects circulating copper levels

CAERULOPLASMIN

Measures a protein that carries copper in the blood

PLASMA ZINC

Reflects recent zinc status

VITAMIN A (RETINOL)

Measures biologically active vitamin A

RED BLOOD CELL MAGNESIUM

Evaluates magnesium stored in cells, giving a better picture than serum levels

25-OH VITAMIN D

Reflects vitamin D status

URIC ACID

Measures uric acid levels