 |
| |
 |
COPPER |
|
| |
| Facts |
|
Copper is involved in the absorption,
storage and metabolism of iron.
|
| |
|
|
The human body contains approximately
50 milligrams (mg) to 120 mg of copper. Copper
concentrates in the brain, heart, kidney, but
is highest in the liver where it contributes to
energy and detoxification processes.1 Blood values
typically average 120 mg/dl for women and 109
mg/dl for men.
|
| |
|
|
Copper is absorbed primarily
in the small intestine and to a certain extent,
the stomach.
|
| |
|
|
Increased consumption of fructose
can significantly worsen a copper deficiency,
according to researchers with the U.S. Department
of Agriculture. Individuals who consumed 20 %
of their daily calories from fructose showed decreased
levels of red blood cell superoxide dismutase
(SOD), a copper-dependent enzyme essential for
antioxidant protection within the red blood cell.2
|
|
| |
| Functions |
|
Aids in the formation of bone,
haemoglobin, red blood cells.2 Copper aids in
the conversion and transport of iron from the
intestinal lumen into red blood cells.
|
| |
|
|
Works in balance with zinc and
vitamin C to form elastin.2
|
| |
|
|
Involved in the healing process,
energy production, hair and skin colouring and
taste sensitivity.2
|
| |
|
|
Involved in the development
and maintenance of the cardiovascular system. |
| |
|
|
Helps maintain the myelin, the insulation
that sheaths nerves and aids in the transmission
signals from the brain to the body and vice versa.
|
| |
|
|
Involved in producing and regulating
neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine.
|
| |
|
|
Plays a role in the activation of
superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme that
is a free radical scavenger. Copper also protects
against oxidative damage especially in the thyroid,
uterus, lungs, liver, brain, red blood cells,
kidneys and pituitary.
|
|
| |
|
Requirements
There is no current Recommended Daily Allowance set
for Copper.
Signs of Deficiency
Signs of copper deficiency include: general weakness,
osteoporosis, anaemia, baldness, diarrhoea, general
weakness, skin sores and poor respiratory function.
2,4
Safety
Too much copper can cause an upset stomach and nausea.
Copper absorption can be decreased by an excess intake
of dietary iron or zinc. Vitamin C supplementation results
in decreased copper.3
Signs of Toxicity
If consumed by a child, copper (3 grams) can be fatal.
Occasional copper toxicity has been reported in individuals
consuming drinking water that passes through copper
water pipes where the copper has leached into the drinking
water. Symptoms of copper toxicity include: nausea,
anaemia, weakness, diarrhoea, headache, a metallic taste
in the mouth,2 depigmentation, dermatitis and neurologic
impairments. 1 Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder
where there is an excessive accumulation of copper in
the soft tissues that can result in damage to the kidneys,
brain and liver.
Current Research
Osteoporosis
Copper is involved
in cross linking of collagen in bone and therefore,
has implications for osteoporosis. In postmenopausal
women supplementation of copper and zinc has been association
with conservation of bone density and preventing spinal
bone loss. 5 Researchers at the University of Ulster
in Ireland conclude that copper plays an important role
in the prevention of osteoporosis. Seventy-three postmenopausal
women supplemented their diets with either 3 milligrams
of copper or a placebo. Two years later, when the study
ended, the supplemented group maintained bone mineral
density while the placebo group lost significant amounts
of bone.6
Immune Function
A copper deficient diet can result in impaired immune
function even after increased intakes of dietary copper
return blood copper levels to normal.7 study, conducted
at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Western Human
Nutrition Research Center in San Francisco found that
healthy men fed a copper-poor diet for two months followed
by diets containing 2 to 3 mg of copper (within the
recommended range) showed that indices of immune function
declined during the copper-deficient period and remained
compromised even after the increased dietary intakes
of copper had returned blood copper levels to normal.
Growth
Copper "...reduces growth rate through effects
on both food intake and efficiency of food utilisation
for growth," conclude researchers at the University
of California at Davis.8 The study, using rats, found
that a copper deficient diet stunted growth.
|
|
|
 |
| |
1 Schauss, A. Minerals and human health:
the rationale for optimal and balanced trace element levels.
Life Sciences Press, 1995: pp.24-25.
2 Balch, J.F. and P.A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing.
Avery Publishing, 1997.
3 Medeiros D., Percival S., Copper.
http://www.nutrition.org/nutinfo/content/copp.shtml.
4 Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Publishing
Company, 1990:71-72.
5 Nielsen F., Davis C., Milne D. Low dietary zinc and
copper negatively affect plasma and urine indicators of
bonehealth. USDA, ARS, Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research
Center, Grand Forks, N.D. |
|
|
