Copper

Scientific Facts about Copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral that is used for growth, bone strength, immune function, heart function, and brain development.[1] It plays an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism, along with contributing to bodily growth and repair. Your body needs it to properly carry out many enzyme reactions and maintain the health of connective tissue. Copper is actually the 3rd most prevalent mineral within the body, but your body itself cannot produce it as well as cannot store it in sufficient amounts. As a result, to reduce copper deficiency, you have to obtain it through certain foods like liver, oysters, nuts and seeds, wild seafood and fish, beans, certain whole grains, and certain vegetables. In fact, a copper deficiency can harm the body in multiple ways. People use copper supplements to hinder or reduce copper deficiency.

Copper health benefits

Copper has been used for relieving copper deficiency and the anemia that may cause. It is an integral part (cofactor) of a group of enzymes called cuproenzymes. It is essential for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, and at the same time for the proper utilization of iron and oxygen within the blood. It is also important for sustaining energy levels, hindering untimely aging, hormone balancing, etc. It is an important micro mineral that benefits bone, nerve, and skeletal health.[3] The common health benefits of copper include:Protects cognitive function [4] Promotes immune function [5] Increases bone density and promotes bone health [6] Relieves arthritis or joint pain [7] Improves growth and development [8] Improves heart and blood vessel health [9] Hinders neurodegenerative disease [10] Helps you fight cancer [11] Reduces anxiety and depression [12] Boosts energy [13] Improves skin health [15]People use copper for many other health benefits. It sometimes occurs in people who get too much zinc from diet or supplements, have intestinal bypass surgery, or are fed by feeding tubes. Even malnourished infants can also have copper deficiency. Copper is also used for improving wound healing, and relieving osteoarthritis and brittle bones (osteoporosis).[14]

How Copper Works?

Different studies demonstrate that copper influences certain important brain pathways involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and galactose. Those neurotransmitters are required to keep your energy up, to keep a happy mood and outlook, and to help with focus.
Again, signs of a copper deficiency can occur when there is not enough copper present in the body. And the signs may be a low metabolic activity, fatigue, trouble concentrating, a poor mood, and more. They may be a sign that the network of reactions and metabolic pathways involving copper are suffering. Moreover, copper can be involved in the use of several antioxidants including vitamin C and superoxide dismutase, ascorbate oxidase, and tyrosinase. Vitamin C and other antioxidants are important for stopping free radical damage in the brain and slowing the aging process which can cause signs of aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Consideration and recomendation

Copper is generally safe when taken in low dose which not more than 10 mg a day. But overdose can cause serious side effects; even kidney failure and death can occur with as little as 1 gram of copper sulfate. The common reported side effects that are associated with copper overdose include nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, low blood pressure, anemia, and heart problems. Copper may interact with penicillamine which is used for Wilson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

The National Institute of Medicine has determined Adequate Intake (AI) of copper for infants: 0 to 6 months, 200 mcg (30 mcg/kg/day); 7 to 12 months, 220 mcg (24 mcg/kg/day).  For children, a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of copper has been set: 1 to 3 years, 340 mcg/day; 4 to 8 years, 440 mcg/day; 9 to 13, 700 mcg/day; 14 to 18 years, 890 mcg/day. For men and women aged 19 years and older, the RDA of copper is 900 mcg/day. For pregnancy, the RDA is 1000 mcg/day, and breast feeding 1300 mcg/day for women of all ages.[17]
However, it is always wise to consult your physician or healthcare provider for your appropriate dose.

 

Resources

ABOUT US    |    OUR MISSION     |     OUR RESEARCH     |     THE PRODUCTS    |    DONATE