Copper

Posted on 2005-12-30 20:01:01 in Minerals |

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Copper can be found in nuts, organ meats, seafood, mushrooms, chocolate, and legumes. It is required for the formation of proteins involved in growth, nerve function and energy release. It is stored in the liver.

ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:

Accompanied by iron and protein copper is able to form hemoglobin, which is necessary for transporting oxygen around the body. It forms melanin (pigment in skin and hair) and helps form connective tissues such as collagen and elastin. Copper also has the ability to assist in lowering cholesterol, help prevent rancidity of fatty acids and maintain cellular structure. It may help as an anti-inflammatory against arthritis, and at least one study has shown that copper supplementation increases levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). to Recent research has linked copper deficiency to an increased risk of colon cancer.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

Anemia, loss of hair, loss of taste, general weakness, impaired respiration such as emphysema, brittle bones, chronic or recurrent diarrhea, hair de-pigmentation, low white blood cell count which leads to reduced resistance to infection, retarded growth, water retention, nervous irritability; high cholesterol, abnormal ECG patterns, development of ischemic heart disease, birth defects, miscarriage and neural tube defects. Antacid use creates copper deficiency.

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

2-3mg taken with zinc at a 10:1 or 15:1 ratio (zinc: copper). RDA is 2mg.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:

5 mg (long term usage); 8 mg (short term usage). Doses of 10mg and above may cause stomach ache, nausea, muscle pain, and other side effects. Copper is toxic and extremely high doses may be lethal.

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

None known except in overdose.

SOLUBILITY: Insoluble in water


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