Copper

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