1. The Biochemistry Behind the Protocol

Every cell generates energy by moving electrons through the mitochondria. That process depends on magnesium as an enzyme cofactor, copper as the spark in cytochrome c oxidase, and iron as the oxygen carrier. When those minerals drift out of ratio—too much unbound iron, too little bioavailable copper—the result is oxidative stress, inflammation, and low ATP output.

RCP teaches that fatigue isn’t a stimulant deficiency—it’s a mitochondrial communication problem caused by mineral confusion and more generally, a problem of cellular coherence! 

2. How Magnesium, Copper & Iron Form the Core Triad

Magnesium — cofactor for 3,700+ enzymes, regulates ATP synthase, calms the nervous system, and stabilizes vitamin D metabolism.

Copper — activates ceruloplasmin, the enzyme that loads iron into hemoglobin and ferritin safely; deficiency leads to “anemia of inflammation.”

Iron — essential for oxygen transport but damaging when unchaperoned; excess unbound iron drives lipid peroxidation and chronic fatigue.

Modern medicine often treats “low iron” with supplements that worsen the underlying copper deficit. RCP reverses this by rebuilding copper-magnesium capacity first, allowing iron to self-regulate.

3. The Protocol’s Phased Structure

Morley Robbins designed the Root Cause Protocol as manageable phases rather than a supplement list:

Phase 1 – Calm the System: restore magnesium stores, improve sleep, and stop oxidative supplements that block copper.

Phase 2 – Restore the Mineral Base: re-introduce whole-food vitamin C and trace minerals to build ceruloplasmin and detox excess iron gently.

Phase 3 – Activate Cellular Repair: support mitochondrial enzymes with retinol, copper, and nutrient-dense foods such as beef liver and sea minerals.

Each step follows the body’s logic—first supply resources, then detoxify, then rebuild.

4. Why Mineral Restoration Outperforms Symptom Chasing

Conventional health advice targets isolated outcomes: take iron for anemia, adaptogens for stress, detox for inflammation. RCP reframes these as downstream signals of a missing mineral framework. When magnesium and copper are replete, enzymes normalize cortisol, thyroid hormones, and immune modulation naturally.

5. How to Start Learning the Protocol

The Root Cause Protocol website (therootcauseprotocol.com) offers free guides, practitioner training, and community resources. Beginners usually begin with magnesium repletion and the “Stop” list (removing iron fortified foods and synthetic vitamin D that disrupt copper metabolism).

Also learn about the DAILY DOSE™ program by Dr. Cohen based on this.

6. From Education to Implementation—RCP-Approved Products

For those ready to put the science into practice, PureClean Performance’s MLP Formulary serves as an official RCP-approved vendor. It curates mineral and nutrient formulations that align with Morley Robbins’ principles—free of synthetic additives and balanced for bio-availability.

• RCP-trusted magnesium, copper, and trace-mineral complexes.
• Whole-food vitamin C and cod-liver-oil sources of retinol for ceruloplasmin activation.
• Discounted access to HEALTH+ RCP lab assessments and coaching services for personalized tracking.

All products are vetted for purity, ratios, and clinical effectiveness so practitioners and individuals can follow the protocol confidently.

7. Who Benefits Most from the RCP

Individuals struggling with chronic fatigue, anxiety, thyroid imbalance, or unexplained inflammation.

Practitioners seeking a mineral-first framework to interpret labs and symptoms coherently.

Athletes wanting sustainable performance by improving mitochondrial redox instead of stimulant cycles.

Because RCP works on the foundational chemistry of life, its applications extend from clinical medicine to athletic recovery and healthy aging.

8. Key Scientific References

O’Dell BL et al. Role of copper and ceruloplasmin in iron metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr 2000.

Magnes JR et al. Magnesium deficiency and oxidative stress. J Am Coll Nutr 2019.

Kawabata T et al. Iron overload and mitochondrial dysfunction. Free Radic Biol Med 2018.

Robbins M. The Root Cause Protocol Manual. RCP Institute Press 2024.