Copper

Why does the body need copper (Cu)? Without it, we simply can not live. It takes part in the metabolism of the body, helps to form red blood cells and hemoglobin, supplies cells with oxygen. Let's figure out what other role copper plays for the human body.

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Basic information about copper

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

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Need for copper per day

Every day a person should take 1.5-3 mg of copper, but do not exceed the upper permissible level of 5 mg.

Under what conditions does the demand for copper increase?

To consume more copper is needed for pregnant women and women breastfeeding.

The beneficial effect of copper on the body

Hemoglobin and myoglobin are synthesized due to the interaction of copper and iron (Fe), and thanks to them new cells of erythrocytes are formed. Copper is involved in the management of respiratory processes and nervous activity of the body, helps synthesize proteins, amino acids and ATP. The exchange of iron will not occur without the participation of copper.

Copper produces skin pigments and takes part in the formation of elastin and collagen. Copper helps to develop endorphins, and this well-known hormone of joy relieves pain and lifts the mood.

Copper interaction with other elements of the body

If the body contains too much copper, the absorption of zinc (Zn) may be impaired. With an excess of iron (Fe), the exchange of copper worsens, and molybdenum (Mo), for example, can remove too much copper from the body. Copper oxidizes vitamin C followed by the production of collagen protein.

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Signs of lack of copper in the body

With 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 get sick with infectious diseases, they have frequent diarrhea, rash, nausea. Depression and persistent fatigue along with anemia are clear signs of a lack of copper. If the lack of copper is significant, a person may experience internal bleeding, there will be disruption of connective and bone tissue, and cholesterol levels will rise.

Signs of an overabundance of copper

Overabundance of copper is no less dangerous than its lack. With excessive amounts of copper, a person quickly grows old, hair can fall out, people suffer from insomnia, epilepsy may develop, and mental retardation may occur. In women, an overabundance of copper affects the menstrual cycle.

Why can there be a deficit of copper in the body?

The absorption of copper in the stomach can be affected by egg yolk and phytic substances. Alcohol also contributes to the poor absorption of copper by the body.

Products containing copper

Increase the level of copper in the body can be, eating pork or beef liver, because it contains from 3000 to 4000 μg of copper. Shrimp will replenish your body with 850 μg of copper, octopus at 435 mkg, lentils and buckwheat - at 650 mcg, peanuts and hazelnuts at 1250 mcg.

Significantly raise the level of copper in the body will help pasta, buckwheat and oatmeal, respectively, at 700, 660 and 500 mcg. Fans of walnuts and pistachios will receive about 500-600 μg of copper during the use of these products.