| Copper is classified as an essential mineral. If one's body
does not acquire a sufficient amount of copper, iron can not be mobilized from body
stores. This explains why iron deficiency and copper deficiency have similarities.
Various enzyme reactions require copper as well. In your body, the liver and brain contain
the largest amounts of copper. Copper imbalances can produce various symptoms, inefficient
utilization of iron and protein, diarrhea, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, stunted
growth, mental and emotional problems. Studies have been published that further establish the negative effects of copper
deficiency in humans. Copper is of vital importance for many reasons: supports the
cardiovascular system, joints, bones and against free radical damage. Copper is also vital
for keeping our skin, blood vessels and connective tissue supple and elastic. These
well-documented findings came as a surprise to many who had been misled to believe that
copper should be avoided because it is toxic and can generate free radicals.
Not only is copper relatively non-toxic, but a deficiency of copper raises free-radical
activity in our bodies by lowering the activity of many of our endogenous antioxidant
peptides like superoxide dismutase, ceruloplasmin, and glutathione peroxidase. Indeed a
deficiency of copper increases an animal's damage from free radicals. Research showing a
negative effect of both zinc and ascorbic acid supplements on copper status was alarming
for supplement users. Benefits of good copper nutrition is obvious, especially for those
people consuming supplements of dietary copper antagonists like zinc and ascorbic acid.
Some companies manufacture multivitamin or mineral products that
contain little or no copper (and worse with high doses of vitamin C
& Zinc), and do not worry about the possible consequences. Remember
the fundamental importance of adequate copper in good nutrition.
Because copper supplements are inexpensive, its importance has
generally been overlooked. If copper were a high-priced nutrient it
would have many vocal supporters pointing to its vital importance
and remarkable health-promoting properties |
