Copper is an essential micro mineral that benefits bone, nerve, and skeletal health. It is important for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells as well as for the proper utilization or iron and oxygen within the blood. Copper plays an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism as well as contributing to bodily growth and repair. It is needed for the body to properly carry out many enzyme reactions and to maintain the health of connective tissue. Copper is important for preventing joint and muscle pain, for sustaining energy levels, preventing premature aging, and balancing hormones.
Symptoms Linked to Copper Deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Frequently getting sick
- Muscle soreness
- Joint pain
- Bruising
- Hair thinning or balding
- Skin Inflammation and sores
- Osteoporosis
- Low body temperature or always feeling cold
- Anemia
- Paleness
- Brittle bones
- A stunt in growth
- Unexplained weight loss
Health Problems Associated to Copper Deficiency:
- Anxiety – Integral part of certain chemicals in the brain (such as endorphins) that calm anxious feelings. Anxiety-like behavior may be exacerbated with copper deficiency.
- Dyslipidemia – Several copper-dependent enzymes affect lipoprotein metabolism. Deficiency contributes to fatty buildup in arteries caused by dyslipidemia.
- Female Fertility – Several enzymes needed to protect a woman’s reproductive organs (such as superoxide dismutase) are dependent on the trace elements zinc, copper and magnesium.
- Hypothyroidism – Low levels seen in experimentally induced hypothyroidism. Indirectly affects thyroid status by its antioxidant role via superoxide dismutase.
- Hypertension – Regulates enzymes that keep blood vessels dilating properly. Depletion causes hypertension. Supplementation trials positive.
- Inflammation – Deficiency lowers enzyme activity (such as superoxide dismutase) that fights inflammation. Lowers damaging isoprostanes, a by-product of inflammation.
- Insomnia – Copper and Zinc both interact with NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain that regulate sleep. A higher Zn/Cu ratio is linked to longer sleep duration.
- Methylation – Several key enzymes needed for methylation reactions are copper dependent.
- Pain – Minerals are a cofactor for the potent antioxidant superoxide dismutase, which fights free radicals, a known source of pain. Copper supplementation can relieve arthritic pain.
- Sleep Apnea – Considered a strong predictor of oxidative stress in sleep apnea patients. Copper’s role as a key cofactor in the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) explains this. SOD is very low in apnea patients. The trace minerals Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Selenium, and Zinc are critical cofactors for the major antioxidant enzymes which are important in repairing cellular damage caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in sleep apnea.
- Telomeres – Key cofactor in the potent antioxidant superoxide dismutase that is known to protect telomeres.
Toxicity of Copper:
Copper is known to be toxic in large amounts; therefore, it is important to stick close to recommended amount. Too high levels can lead to acute and temporary copper poisoning which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney damage or anemia. It is known that an overload or deficiency of copper is associated with two genetic diseases called Wilson disease and Menkes disease. These diseases are rare, inherited disorders in which excessive amounts of copper accumulate in the liver or the brain of those affected.
How to Acquire Copper:
- Beef Liver
- Shitake Mushrooms
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Chickpeas
- Kale
- Cocoa Powder
- Sesame Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Avocado
- Raisins
