Final answer:
Premature babies entirely fed with formula are the most likely to suffer from copper deficiency due to potentially inadequate nutrient content of the formula, with vegetarians, adolescents, and the aged also experiencing higher risks of deficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Copper deficiency is most likely to occur in certain groups due to particular dietary and physiological needs. Premature babies who are entirely fed with formula are at a considerable risk of developing copper deficiency. This is because the milk formula may not contain adequate nutrients, like copper, for the premature infant's development. Copper is vital for the synthesis of ceruloplasmin, which is necessary for the release of iron into the plasma. A deficiency can lead to conditions such as hypoferremia and result in the depressed synthesis of heme, contributing to anemia.
Another at-risk group is vegetarians or vegans who might not include sufficient sources of copper in their diets. Copper deficiency in these individuals can potentially lead to hematological symptoms similar to those caused by iron deficiency anemia, due to a defect in hemoglobin synthesis. It is also important to note that certain stages of life require increased copper, such as in adolescents who are growing rapidly and the aged who might experience natural malabsorption or inadequacies in their diet.