Influence of age and sex on serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels.

Serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations were determined in 180 normal male subjects and 44 female subjects, age 20 to 89 years. A small but significant increase (p < .025) in serum copper concentrations was observed with age in the male population; none was observed in the females. Serum ceruloplasmin concentrations failed to change with age in either group. In contrast with most previous studies, no difference in serum copper levels existed between the male and female populations. Serum ceruloplasmin levels, however, were significantly higher in the females.