Copper

What is it?

Copper is a trace mineral needed for the production of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme; it is involved in energy production and hormone formation; needed for connective tissue and red blood cells; helps to produce the skin pigment melanin.

Table of Contents

Function	How it helps
Essential coenzyme	Copper is involved in several enzyme systems that are responsible for numerous bodily functions including haemoglobin formation, skin pigmentation, blood clotting and energy production.
Connective tissue health	Needed for the proper functioning of collagen and elastin in tissues to give them stability and elasticity.
Antioxidant	As a component of the enzyme superoxide dismutase it helps protect against free radical damage to cells, tissue and other body compounds.

What is it used for?
Connective tissue health	Cardiovascular disease	Repetitive strain injury
Zinc excess	Arthritis	Sprains
Strains	Anaemia	Vascular instability
Cataracts	Antioxidant protection

Best food sources
Oysters, crabs, whelks	Shellfish	Dried chickpeas
Nuts	Liver	Dried peas
Soy flour	Buckwheat & Wheat bran	Cereals
Dried fruit	Lambs liver and meat	Potatoes

Deficiency Symptoms
Elevated zinc levels	Iron deficiency anaemia	Poor respiration
Connective tissue defects	Weakness	Weak blood vessels
Bone & joint disorders	Kwashiorkor	High cholesterol

Supplementation dosage range

1-3mg per day

Other information

Copper is normally taken in combination with other bone nutrients such as calcium and magnesium to help support bone health. It may also be useful to reduce inflammation in arthritis and many people wear copper bracelets for this purpose. Copper is also added to zinc supplements as high levels of zinc interfere with the absorption of copper.

Excessive copper intake may cause a metallic taste in the mouth.

Cautions

People suffering from Wilson’s Disease should avoid supplements containing copper as they are unable to use it, which leads to copper overload.
People who suffer with haemochromatosis should not take copper unless on the advice and under the strict monitoring of a doctor.
Oral contraceptives increase the levels of copper in the blood stream and these elevated levels may not be beneficial. High dose copper supplements should be avoided.
Copper can interfere with the absorption of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, so should be taken at least 2 hours apart, but only with the approval of your doctor.

Factors which deplete levels, impair absorption and/or inhibit activity:
High levels of zinc.	High levels of molybdenum.	Phytates in cereal grains
High intake of fructose	High doses of Vitamin C	High doses of iron
Alcohol	Egg yolk	Antacids

Lois

I’m passionate about healthy living and sharing my message with as many people as possible. It was this passion that drove me to start the Health and Wellbeing News.

I believe that good health in body, mind and spirit is vital if we are to achieve our highest potential as human beings. Health and Wellbeing News brings together all that I’ve learned in the past 20 years and draws upon the knowledge of renowned experts from all round the world, to help you become the healthiest and happiest version of you.

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