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Mineral |
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Copper is an essential trace element present in the diet and in the human
body. It is needed to absorb and utilise iron. It is also part of the
antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper is needed to make adenosine
triphosphate (ATP), the energy the body runs on. Synthesis of some hormones
requires copper including those that produce nor-adrenalin (your get up and go
hormone), as does the synthesis of collagen (the "glue" that holds
connective tissue together). In addition, the enzyme, tyrosinase, which plays a
role in the production of skin pigment, requires copper to function.
Copper is essential for the conversion of T4 to active T3 at cellular levels.
In hypothyroidism,copper absorption by the gastrointestinal tract can be
reduced. There is also a vital role that copper plays in tyrosine metabolism.
Copper supplementation has been shown to increase SOD levels in humans. And
it is required for the body to convert iron into haemoglobin, use the amino acid
tyrosine for skin pigmentation. And att he same time is essential for proper
Vitamin C absorption.
The best source of copper is oysters. Nuts, dried legumes, cereals, potatoes,
and meat also contain copper.
Many people consume slightly less than the “safe and adequate range” of
copper, 1.5-3.0 mg per day. After ingestion, copper reaches the bloodstream
within fifteen minutes. It is believed that the average American man consumes
around 1.2mg and females around 0.9mg daily. Actual human requirements for
copper have not been fully establishes. Little is known about the clinical
effects of these marginally adequate intakes, though frank copper deficiency is
uncommon. Children with Menkes are unable to absorb copper normally and become
severely deficient unless medically treated early in life. Deficiency can also
occur in people who supplement with zinc without also increasing copper intake.
Zinc interferes with copper absorption. Health consequences of zinc-induced
copper deficiency can be quite serious. In the absence of copper
supplementation, vitamin C supplementation has also been reported to mildly
impair copper metabolism. Copper deficiency can result in anaemia, lower levels
of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, or cardiac arrhythmias.
It is believed that athletes have agreater need and usage of this mineral
because of the higher production of nor-adrenaline during intense bouts of
exercise. There is no conclusive data to correlate a deficiency of copper
amongst regular training athletes, however, a slightly higher intake would be
advisable.
Most people consume less than the recommended amount of this mineral. Some
doctors recommend supplementing the average diet with 1-3 mg of copper per day.
While the necessity of supplementing a normal diet with copper has not been
proven, most people who take zinc supplements, including the zinc found in
multivitamin-mineral supplements, should probably take additional copper.
Cupric oxide (CuO) is a form of copper frequently used in vitamin-mineral
supplements sold over-the-counter. However, animal studies have shown
conclusively this form of copper is poorly absorbed from the gut; it should
therefore not be used in supplements. Several other forms of copper (including
copper sulphate, cupric acetate, and alkaline copper carbonate) are better
absorbed, and are therefore preferable to cupric oxide.
The level at which copper causes problems is unclear. But in combination with
zinc, up to 3 mg per day is considered safe. People drinking tap water from new
copper pipes should consult their doctor before supplementing, since they might
be getting enough (or even too much) copper from their water. Although there
have been some studies of people taking very high doses of copper - upto 100 mg
a day, showing no clear signs of copper toxicity, however there were no
proported ergogenic effects either.
People with Wilsons disease should never take copper.
Zinc interferes with copper absorption. People taking zinc supplements for
more than a few weeks should also take copper (unless they have Wilson’s
disease). In the absence of copper supplementation, vitamin C may interfere with
copper metabolism. Copper improves absorption and utilization of iron.
Preliminary evidence shows that the levels of copper in the blood were higher
among people who died from coronary heart disease than among those who did not.
However, animals studies and some human studies suggest that, if anything,
copper may prevent the development of heart disease. Although it is not clear
why people who died of heart disease had elevated copper levels, this finding
could be due to chronic inflammation, which is known to be associated with
increased copper levels.
Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with copper.
AZT
Ciprofloxacin
Etodolac
Famotidine
Ibuprofen
Nabumetone
Naproxen/Naproxen Sodium
Nizatidine
Oral Contraceptives
Oxaprozin
Penicillamine
Valproic Acid
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