Copper

Why does the body need copper (Cu)? We simply cannot live without it.

Copper plays a key role in various biological processes in the human body, including:

1. Enzyme Function: Copper is a cofactor for many enzymes that are involved in processes such as respiration, protection against oxidative damage, iron metabolism, etc. (Giampietro et al., 2018).
2. Central Nervous System Development and Function: Copper is important for neurotransmitter synthesis, myelination, neuropeptide activation, and other processes necessary for normal CNS development and function ( Desai & Kaler, 2008 ).
3. Antioxidant Protection: Copper is involved in the function of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which protects cells from free radical damage ( Gromadzka et al., 2020 ).
4. Iron Metabolism: Copper is necessary for the absorption of iron and its incorporation into hemoglobin, which is important for hematopoiesis processes and the prevention of anemia ( Wang et al., 2020 ).
5. Collagen and Elastin Synthesis: Copper is involved in the synthesis of important components of connective tissue, which contributes to the integrity of blood vessels and the elasticity of the skin.

Copper imbalances in the body, either too much or too little, can lead to serious health conditions, including neurological disorders such as Wilson's disease and Menkes disease, as well as influencing the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This highlights the importance of maintaining copper homeostasis for human health.

Let's figure out what other role copper plays for the human body.

Basic information about copper

The human body contains from 75 to 150 mg of copper. Of this, 45% is part of muscle tissue, 20% is part of liver cells, another 20% is in bone tissue, and the rest is distributed throughout the body.

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Daily copper requirement

The daily requirement for copper for an adult is about 900 micrograms, but may vary depending on age, gender, and health status. It is important to consider that copper must be supplied to the body with food in sufficient quantities, as it plays a key role in maintaining the health of the nervous system, energy production, and the formation of connective tissue.

Under what conditions does the need for copper increase?

The human body's need for copper may increase under certain conditions and clinical conditions. Here are some examples of when copper needs may increase:

1. Copper deficiency: Acute copper deficiency is not considered a widespread public health problem for most populations. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that in certain circumstances clinical conditions may predispose to the risk of copper deficiency or copper excess. Acquired copper deficiency has been documented in conditions predisposing to inadequate copper intake, prematurity, malabsorption syndromes, and conditions predisposing to excessive copper loss ( Beshgetoor & Hambidge, 1998 ).
2. Inflammation, stress, infection: Copper concentrations may increase in response to stress, inflammation, and infection; in Parkinson's disease and diabetes; and in conditions associated with impaired bile flow (Beshgetoor & Hambidge, 1998).
3. Biochemical Necessity: Copper is an essential element for many enzymes. Copper deficiency can alter important functions in plant metabolism, which also applies to humans. For example, copper deficiency can impair the functions of the electron transport chains of photosynthesis and respiration, ethylene sensing, cell wall metabolism, protection against oxidative stress, and molybdenum cofactor biogenesis ( Yruela, 2009 ).

These conditions highlight the importance of copper for maintaining health and normal body function, and also highlight the potential risks associated with insufficient or excessive copper intake.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women also need to consume more copper.

The beneficial effects of copper on the body

Copper is an essential micronutrient required to maintain human health and plays a key role in many physiological processes:

1. Involvement in energy production: Copper is important for converting iron into a form that can be used to produce energy in cells.
2. Formation of connective tissue: It is involved in the production of collagen and elastin, vital components of connective tissue that support skin, bones and blood vessels.
3. Nervous system function: Copper promotes proper nervous system function by influencing the production of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
4. Strengthening the immune system: This trace mineral is important for maintaining a strong immune system, helping to protect the body from infections and promoting rapid healing of wounds.
5. Protection against oxidative stress: Copper is part of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
6. Iron Absorption and Metabolism: Copper plays an important role in the absorption and metabolism of iron, preventing anemia and promoting the formation of red blood cells.
7. Regulation of gene expression: Some copper-binding proteins are involved in the regulation of gene expression, influencing the development and functioning of the organism.
8. Cardiovascular Health: Copper may help reduce your risk of heart disease by maintaining healthy blood vessels and heart.

To maintain optimal copper levels in the body, it is important to eat a variety of foods rich in this trace mineral, including nuts, seeds, whole grains, seafood, and animal organs. However, too much copper can also be harmful, so it is important to maintain a balance.

Interaction of copper with other elements of the body

If there is too much copper in the body, the absorption of zinc (Zn) may be impaired. Excess iron (Fe) impairs copper metabolism, and molybdenum (Mo), for example, can remove too much copper from the body. Copper oxidizes vitamin C with subsequent production of collagen protein.

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Signs of copper deficiency in the body

When there is a lack of copper in the body, hair and skin suffer greatly: the skin loses pigmentation, and hair often falls out. People with copper deficiency often suffer from infectious diseases, they have frequent diarrhea, rashes, nausea. Depression and constant fatigue along with anemia are clear signs of copper deficiency. If the copper deficiency is significant, a person may experience internal bleeding, connective and bone tissue disorders, and cholesterol levels will increase.

Signs of copper excess

Excess copper in the body can lead to a variety of negative consequences and manifest itself in various symptoms and conditions, such as:

1. Increased lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and DNA damage associated with its role in the generation of oxygen free radicals ( Bremner, 1998 ).
2. Clinical manifestations include anemia, neurological symptoms affecting walking and balance, and may be associated with zinc excess leading to copper deficiency (Doherty et al., 2011).
3. The cumulative effects of excess copper levels can lead to a variety of mental and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, autism, tardive dyskinetic disorder and memory loss, as well as liver and kidney dysfunction and hypertension, especially in dark-skinned populations (Pfeiffer Mailloux, 1987)Pfeiffer & Mailloux, 1987).
4. Copper concentrations may increase in response to stress, inflammation, and infection; in diseases such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes; and in conditions associated with impaired bile flow ( Beshgetoor & Hambidge, 1998 ).
5. Copper-induced cell death occurs through direct binding of copper to lipoylated components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to aggregation of lipoylated proteins and subsequent loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, causing proteotoxic stress and ultimately cell death ( Kahlson & Dixon, 2022 ).

Managing copper levels in the body is critical to preventing both copper deficiency and excess, both of which can lead to serious diseases and health conditions.

Why can copper deficiency occur in the body?

Copper deficiency in the body can occur for several reasons:

1. Previous gastric surgery: Surgeries involving the stomach can interfere with copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency. This is one of the most common causes of copper deficiency (Kumar, 2006).
2. Excessive zinc intake: Taking zinc in large amounts can cause copper deficiency because zinc and copper compete for absorption in the body. Excess zinc can lead to low copper levels in the body (Willis et al., 2005).
3. Malabsorption syndromes: Various diseases that involve poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines can also lead to copper deficiency. This is because copper is poorly absorbed from food ( Jaiser & Winston, 2010 ).
4. Insufficient Diet: Not consuming enough foods containing copper can lead to copper deficiency. This may be especially true for people on certain dietary restrictions.
5. Taking certain medications: Taking certain medications can affect copper levels in the body, contributing to a copper deficiency.

Copper deficiency can lead to a number of conditions, including anemia, neutropenia, and neurological disorders such as myelopathy. Treatment typically involves adding copper to the diet or taking copper supplements to help restore normal levels in the body.

Products containing copper

Foods containing copper include a variety of food categories, some of which are particularly rich sources of this important micronutrient. Research shows that copper is present in many types of food, but the following foods are particularly high in copper:

1. Liver - Sliced beef liver and other types of liver are among the richest sources of copper (Hughes, Kelly, & Stewart, 1960).
2. Cereals and Legumes - High-protein cereals and legumes such as peas and beans are particularly rich in copper (Ma & Betts, 2000).
3. Nuts and seeds - Nuts and seeds are also good sources of copper, including cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds (Pennington, Schoen, Salmon, Young Be, Johnson, & Marts, 1995).
4. Meat and meat products - Especially beef and pork, as well as chicken livers, contain significant amounts of copper (Lawler & Klevay, 1984).
5. Seafood - Shellfish and crustaceans, including oysters and shrimp, are also good sources of copper ( Velasco-Reynold, Navarro-Alarcón, López-GaDe La Serrana, & López-Martínez, 2008 ).

You can increase the level of copper in your body by eating pork or beef liver, because it contains 3,000 to 4,000 mcg of copper. Shrimp will replenish your body with 850 mcg of copper, octopus with 435 mcg, lentils and buckwheat with 650 mcg, peanuts and hazelnuts with 1,250 mcg.

Pasta, buckwheat and oatmeal will help to significantly increase the level of copper in the body, by 700, 660 and 500 mcg, respectively. Lovers of walnuts and pistachios will receive about 500-600 mcg of copper when consuming these products.

Microelement copper in vitamins

The trace mineral copper is often included in multivitamin and mineral supplements because of its important role in supporting various body functions. Here are some examples of names of vitamin-mineral complexes and supplements that may include copper:

1. Centrum is a well-known multivitamin complex containing many vitamins and minerals, including copper.
2. Solgar Copper Chelate is a supplement that provides copper in a chelated form to enhance its absorption.
3. Nature's Way Copper Chelate is another supplement that offers copper in chelated form.
4. Now Foods Copper - A supplement containing copper that helps support healthy blood vessels, bones, the immune system and the nervous system.
5. Thorne Research Copper Bisglycinate is a premium copper supplement designed to support cardiovascular and skeletal health.

It is important to remember that taking copper supplements should be done under the advice of a health professional, as both copper deficiency and excess can lead to health problems. It is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist before taking any supplements.