Health and Fitness Hints

Copper is a trace mineral that is found in all living organisms from bacteria to humans and it is an essential element. It plays a variety of important roles in the body, including assisting in the formation of hemoglobin, aiding in iron metabolism, contributing to the activity of many enzymes in the build up and break down of body tissues, aiding in the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine in to the pigment that colors hair and skin, participating in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine.

This trace mineral is also required for the production of the protective sheaths of myelin that surrounds nerve fibers. It is also necessary for the production RNA and the production of elastin, working together with vitamin C, an important component for all muscle fibers. Additionally, copper is necessary for bone formation and maintenance and participates in the function of the immune system and white and red cell maturation.

Approximately 15 to 75% of dietary cooper ingested is absorbed primarily in the stomach and duodenum. It is transported from the intestine first to the liver and kidneys and then from there to other organs. Little of this trace mineral is stored in the body and the highest concentrations are found in the liver, brain kidneys and heart. Muscles and bones have lower concentrations however because of their mass contain more than 50% of total copper in the body. The balance of copper in the body is maintained by excretion in the bile and feces and very little through urine.

Although copper deficiency is relatively unknown among those with greatest risk are preterm infants, children with iron-deficiency anemia and kidney patients undergoing dialysis. The estimated RDA for this mineral is 0.9 mg/day for adult men and women.
Like other essential trace minerals can be toxic when it is present in cells and tissues in excess. Based on the risk for liver damage the upper level for copper is 10 mg/day.

An inherited copper related disease, Wilson’s disease, results in accumulation of copper in the brain kidneys and eye cornea. It is difficult to diagnose and while it is present at birth usually detected later in childhood or adulthood. Symptoms include kidney problems and neurological and psychiatric disorders and premature death. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, with copper binding agents, treatment can reduce both physical and mental degeneration.

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