| COPPER
Description
Copper is a trace mineral found in all body tissues, with
the total amount being 75 to 100 milligrams. It plays a
role in respiration, since it is involved in the synthesis
of hemoglobin, the portion of the blood that carries oxygen.
It is involved in the production of collagen and is also
one of the most important blood antioxidants which helps
the cell membranes remain healthy.
Copper is present in many enzymes that break down or build
up body tissue. It aids in the conversion of the amino acid
tyrosine into a dark pigment that colors the hair and skin.
It is also involved in protein metabolism and in healing
processes. Copper is required for the synthesis of phospholipids,
substance essential in the formation of the protective myelin
sheaths surrounding nerve fibers.
Copper helps the body to oxidize vitamin C and works with
this vitamin in the formation of elastic, a chief component
of the elastic connective tissue throughout the body. It
is necessary for proper bone formation and maintenance and
is also necessary for the production of RNA.
Among the best food sources of copper are liver, whole-grain
products, mushrooms, almonds, green leafy vegetables, and
dried legumes. The amounts vary in plant sources, according
to the mineral content in the soil in which they were grown.
Most seafoods are also good sources of copper.
ABSORPTION AND STORAGE
Approximately 30 percent of ingested copper is used by the
body; absorption takes place in the stomach and upper intestine.
The copper moves from the intestine into the bloodstream
15 minutes after ingestion. Most of the dietary copper is
excreted in the feces and bile, with very little lost in
the urine.
Copper is stored in the tissues; highest concentrations
of copper are in the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. Bones
and muscles have lower concentrations of copper, but because
of their mass they contain over 50 percent of the total
copper in the body.
Dosage and Toxicity
The National Research Council recommends a daily dietary
intake of 2 milligrams of copper for adults. Drinking water
may be a major source of copper, which leaches from copper
piping.
The possibility of copper toxicity occurs with Wilson’s
disease, a rare genetic disorder that results from abnormal
copper metabolism, bringing about excess copper retention
in the liver, brain, kidney, and corneas of the eye. Too
much copper in the body can result in serious physical and
mental illness. Serum copper levels increase with the use
of birth control pills.
High levels are found in patients who have heart attacks,
high blood pressure, and in those who smoke.
Copper may also be a factor in a paranoid and hallucinatory
schizophrenia, hypertension, stuttering, autism, childhood
hyperactivity, toxemia of pregnancy, premenstrual tension,
depression, insomnia, senility, and functional hypoglycemia.
Studies of pregnant women indicate that high copper levels
cause a decrease in body Iron and a deficiency or molybdenum.
Certain anemia not helped by Iron may be an indication of
elevated copper levels.
Serum coppers, elevated by estrogen’s, rise progressively
during pregnancy. After delivery, it takes 2 to 3 months
before the copper level lowers to an acceptable amount.
This high level may cause the depression and psychosis that
women often experience after giving birth.
Supplemental zinc and manganese in a ratio of 20 to 1 have
proved to increase copper excretion via the urine.
DEFICIENCY EFFECTS AND SYMPTOMS
Low blood levels of copper have been noted in children with
iron-deficiency anemia, edema, and kwashiorkor. Symptoms
of deficiency include general weakness, impaired respiration,
and skin sores.
In a deficiency there is also faulty collagen formation,
disintegration of neurotransmitter concentrations, and diminished
skin pigmentation. Connective tissue is also easily damaged
and bone demineralizes.
BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF AILMENTS
Copper works with Iron to form hemoglobin, thereby helping
in the treatment of anemia. Copper is beneficial in the
prevention and treatment of edemas and kwashiorkor in children.
Copper-zinc superoxide works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
agent. It is beneficial to those with osteo and rheumatoid
arthritis.
Copper protects against free radicals by preserving the
structural strength of the membranes where the reactions
take place. It does appear to affect the immune system in
a positive way.
COPPER MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE FOLLOWING AILMENTS:
| |
|
| Body Member: |
Ailment |
| Blood/Circulatory
system: |
Anemia
Leukemia |
| Bones:
|
Osteoporosis |
| Hair: |
Baldness |
| Skin: |
Bedsores |
| General: |
Edema |
|
