Ceruloplasmin is a copper-carrying protein found in the blood. It plays a crucial role in transporting copper, an essential mineral needed for various bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of nerve cells. Ceruloplasmin also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This protein is produced in the liver and is important for regulating copper levels in the body. Abnormal levels of ceruloplasmin can indicate health issues, such as Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation, or Menke's disease, which affects copper absorption.