Why you need it? Copper is needed to absorb and use iron. It is also part of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper is needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy the body runs on. Synthesis of some hormones requires copper, as does collagen (the "glue" that holds muscle tissue together) and tyrosinase (the enzyme that puts pigment into the skin). Copper acts as a cofactor for the following enzymes: Cytochromic oxidase is involved electron transport and energy production. Dopamine b hydroxylase is involved with catecholamine synthesis in both the brain and adrenals. Tyrosinase is involved in melanin synthesis. Vitamin C can potentate problems, so control the intake of vitamin C. Ceruloplasmin is a broad-specificity oxidase and its main function is as an extracellular scavenger of superoxide and other oxygen radicals in copper transport and in antioxidant defence. Thus, it is intimately involved in detoxification. As a cofactor it reduces iron into the ferrous form, making it much more absorbable. It also facilitates iron availability from the liver. Deficiency Symptoms: A deficiency of copper is not uncommon. Symptoms include hae-molysis with liver and brain damage, anaemia, neutropenia, degeneration of vasculature, depigmentation of skin, kinky hair, hypotonia and hypothermia. Good Food Sources: Foods rich in copper are generally those rich in iron; especially good sources: beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, whole grain products, prunes, raisins, pomegranates, liver, seafood (oysters, crab, lobster), meats (lamb, pork), nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), wheat germ, soy beans.
Precautions: GRAS - Generally recognized as safe. No adverse reactions, side effects or overdose symptoms expected when taken within the recommended amounts. Zinc/Copper: A strong relationship exists between zinc and copper. Deficiency symptoms may manifest each way. Too much copper can cause zinc deficiency and too much zinc can lead to copper deficiency. Iron can interfere with copper absorption. The level at which copper causes problems is unclear. But in combination with zinc, long term doses of up to 3 mg and short term doses of 10-35mg per day are considered quite safe. Anaemia: Copper is essential for the mobilization of iron from the liver. A deficiency of copper results in microcytic anaemia. People with Wilson's disease should never take copper. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. Neither the information provided nor products supplied or offered should be construed to be in any way substitutes for medical attention or prescribed medication. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or herbal remedies if you are suffering from an undiagnosed illness or if you are on prescribed medication.
