A competitive athlete is taking high-dose zinc supplements (50 mg/day) to boost immune health and also uses a high-iron supplement. Evaluate the most appropriate dietary recommendation regarding copper to minimize the risk of a functional copper deficiency impairing hemoglobin synthesis.

• A. Advise the athlete to double the zinc supplement to counteract any potential negative effects on copper, since higher zinc will always enhance overall mineral balance and prevent anemia.
• B. Suggest increasing vitamin C dramatically to offset zinc interference with copper absorption because vitamin C stimulates copper uptake in the intestines and neutralizes zinc effects.
• C. Recommend complete cessation of all mineral intake and reliance on carbohydrate loading pre-competition since dietary minerals have no relationship to hemoglobin synthesis or athletic performance.
• D. Recommend assessing total zinc and iron supplement doses and ensuring copper intake from diet or a low-dose copper supplement to meet the 0.9 mg/day RDA (900 µg), while avoiding chronic high-dose zinc to prevent impaired copper absorption.

Answer: (D)