8/8/2019 Copper - Trace Element

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Copper dietary trace element information pageCopper and zinc absorption is closely related,and although copper is also needed in relativelysmall amounts, some discussions are under wayon the optimum need of this mineral. If largeamounts of copper are present, then zinc andvitamin C is reduced in the body, and vice versa.Copper is required forCopper is required in the formation of

hemoglobin, red blood cells as well as bones,while it helps with the formation of elastin as wellas collagen - making it necessary for woundhealing.A lack of copper may also lead to increasedblood fat levels. It is also necessary for themanufacture of the neurotransmitternoradrenaline as well as for the pigmentation ofyour hair.Deficiency of copperIt can be stored in the body, and daily presencein the diet is therefore not necessary. If copper isdeficient in the body, iron is also normally in

short supply, leading to anemia as well as thelikelihood for infections, osteoporosis, thinning ofbones, thyroid gland dysfunction, heart diseaseas well as nervous system problems.DosageThe dosage is the Recommended DailyAllowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosageis the minimum that you require per day, to wardoff serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. Inthe therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage isusually increased considerably, but the toxicitylevel must be kept in mind.In the case of micro-elements, such as traceelements, the amounts are very small, yet theyare still important and about 2 mg per day isrequired.Toxicity and symptoms of high intakeToxic levels will lead to diarrhea, vomiting, liverdamage as well as discoloration of the skin andhair, while mild excesses will result in fatigue,irritability, depression and loss of concentrationand learning disabilities.Children getting too much copper may havehyperactive tendencies.Best used withCopper is best absorbed and utilized in the bodywhen cobalt, iron, zinc and folic acid is available.

When more copper may be requiredShould extra zinc supplements be taken, yourneed for copper may be increased.Enemy of copperThe absorption of large amounts of vitamin C,zinc can negatively influence the level of copperin the body, while large amounts of fructose canmake a copper deficiency worse.Other interesting pointsBe careful of having any liquids stored in coppercontainers, as the liquid could have absorbedtoo much of the copper.

Food sourcesCopper is made available from a variety offoods, such as whole grain, liver, molasses, andnuts, but water from copper pipes will also carrycopper in it, and copper cooking utensils will alsoadd more copper to be ingested.

Copper, a vital trace element to keep you inoptimum health

Brussels, 13 March 2003: To combat winter flu andspring fatigue, leading nutritionists underlinetheimportance of copper for a well-balanced diet.Although little publicised, copper is an essentialmineral tohelp you stay in good health. In fact it hasbeen proven that a lack of copper can be highlydetrimental, especially to pregnant women and babies.

According to Professor McArdle, Head of theDevelopment, Growth and Function Division at RowettResearch Institute (Scotland), copper is an essentialnutrient in our diet that plays a key role in manybiological processes. Copper is involved in

numerous physiological functions: in the normalfunction of the brain, the nervous system and thecardiovascular system, to help transport iron and toprotect cells against destruction by oxidation. Copper isalso essential for bone growth and strength, as well asfor a healthy immune system.

A recent report by the World Health Organizationstates that, based on the data currently available,human health is more at risk from a lack of copper,albeit slight, than from an excess. A minor shortfall incopper often leads to a deterioration in the generalstate of health with reduced resistance to infections,fertility problems and chronic fatigue and weakness.Numerous studies have also examined the effects of aslight copper deficiency during pregnancy and itsconsequences for the foetus. Low copper levels alsoappear to contribute to the development of certaindisorders in older people, especially osteoporosis andcardiovascular diseases.

The body needs a regular intake of dietary copperto remain in good health. According to ProfessorLena Hulthn, clinical nutrition specialist at theUniversity of Gothenburg (Sweden), recent studiesprove that the diet of Europeans does not containsufficient quantities of copper to guarantee optimal

health. However, some ordinary foods like seafood,offal, wholemeal cereals, nuts, raisins, beans, lentilsand chocolate do provide substantial traces of copper.The American National Academy of Sciences hasdefined a recommended daily copper intake of 0.9mg/day for adults, 1.0 mg/day for pregnant women and1.3 mg/day for women who are breastfeeding. TheNAS has also established a maximum acceptable levelof copper of 10 mg/day.

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