copper mineral and copper uses and its benefits

Copper

1. Introduction The use of copper to treat disease dates back to around 400 B.C. However, the essentiality of copper was not fully recognized until 1964, when conclusive evidence of human copper deficiency was reported. Copper an essential trace mineral that is part of many enzymes. Copper has vital functions as a part of many important proteins and enzymes in the body.

2. significance Copper serves as a constituent of several enzymes . The copper-containing enzymes have diverse metabolic roles with one common characteristic: all involve reactions that consume oxygen or oxygen radicals. For example, copper-containing enzymes catalyze the oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron, which allows iron to bind to transferrin. Copper’s role in iron metabolism makes it a key factor in hemoglobin synthesis.

3. Copper and zinc containing enzymes participate in the body’s natural defenses against the oxidative damage of free radicals. In combination with zinc ,copper also functions as a part of a family of enzymes known as superoxide dismutase (SOD ) enzymes copper enzymes help to manufacture collagen , inactivate histamine , and degrade serotonin . Copper, like iron, is needed in many of the reactions involved in energy metabolism

4. copper-containing enzyme, cytochrome C oxidase , catalyzes the last step of the electron transport chain in energy metabolism. Copper is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters (serotonin, tyrosine, dopamine, and norepinephrine) via the enzyme monoamine oxidase. In addition, copper also has an important role in connective tissue formation.

5. Importance Copper in foods Copper is found in a variety of foods. Good sources of copper include liver, shellfish, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, soy products, and dark chocolate. Legumes, whole grain products, and the tap water in many communities also are important sources. Although meat is only a marginal source of copper, it may promote copper absorption from other foods, as it does for iron

6. Copper Deficiency Severe copper deficiency is relatively rare in humans. Deficiencies have been reported in premature infants fed milk-based formulas, in infants recovering from malnutrition, in patients on long-term total parenteral nutrition without added copper, The symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, decreased white blood cell counts (leukopenia and neutropenia), and skeletal abnormalities (osteopenia).

7. Copper toxicity Although copper toxicity is not common in humans , it has been reported in children taking accidental overdoses, in individuals consuming copper-contaminated food or water . The symptoms of toxicity include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Upper Level for copper is set at 10 mg/day because higher intakes increase the risk of liver damage.

8. Review it copper RDA Adults: 900 μg /day UL Adults: 10,000 μg /day (10 mg/day) Chief Functions in the Body Necessary for the absorption and use of iron in the formation of hemoglobin; part of several enzymes copper Significant Sources Seafood, nuts, whole grains, seeds, legumes Deficiency Symptoms Anemia, bone abnormalities Toxicity Symptoms Liver damage