Copper

Copper is an antioxidant found in enzymes that deactivate free radicals (molecule fragments that can link up to form compounds that damage body tissues) and make it possible for your body to use iron.

Because this mineral is found in the earth´s crust, most of the world´s surface water and ground water used for drinking purposes contains small amounts of this mineral.

Function

This mineral may play a role in slowing the aging process by decreasing the incidence of protein glycation, a reaction in which sugar molecules (gly = sugar) hook up with protein molecules in your bloodstream, twist the protein molecules out of shape, and make them unusable.

In addition, this mineral promotes the growth of strong bones, protects the health of nerve tissue, and prevents your hair from turning gray prematurely. Copper is a constituent of many enzyme systems and the body needs this mineral to be able to use iron properly. It is needed for the structure of connective tissue in bone, the lungs and blood vessels.

This mineral is involved in numerous biochemical reactions in human cells and is a component of multiple enzymes, is involved with the regulation of gene expression, mitochondrial function/cellular metabolism, connective tissue formation, as well as the absorption, storage, and metabolism of iron. Copper levels are tightly regulated in the body.

Food Sources

This mineral is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods, including green vegetables, legumes (dried beans, including cacao beans; the beans used to make chocolate), nuts, grains, and fruits, as well as seafood (shellfish), avocado, and beef (organ meats such as liver and heart).

Side Effects

Dietary deficiency is extremely rare but copper deficiency may arise because of a genetic defect (Menke´s syndrome). Deficiency can also occur in infants fed only cow-milk formulas (which are relatively low in this mineral´s content).

Protein glycation may result in bone loss, high cholesterol, cardiac abnormalities, and a slew of other unpleasantries. In people with diabetes, excess protein glycation may also be one factor involved in complications such as loss of vision.

Excess consumption of this mineral may lead to liver, kidney, or neurologic damage. Excess dosing may lead to toxic symptoms including weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with more serious signs of acute toxicity including liver damage, kidney failure, pleural damage, coma, and death.

Megadoses of this mineral are potentially toxic.

Adequate copper nutritional status appears to be necessary for normal iron metabolism, transport, and red blood cell formation. High iron intake may interfere with this mineral´s absorption. This mineral´s deficiency is associated with retention of iron in the liver.

			topic: copper