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Healthy Eating Minerals
Copper Sources and Functions
All of the nutrient minerals work together to keep you healthy and feeling good. Here is a summary of the role of copper, a trace mineral, in your good health.
Copper Sources and Functions
*The lower value is for infants up to 6 mos., higher value is for infants up to a year old. Just a trace Note that the adequate daily intake of copper is given in micrograms (µg). A microgram is .0001 milligrams (mg), so it is a very small amount. Only a trace of this mineral is needed, but it is nevertheless very necessary to your good health. Copper enzymes Scientists and health experts have known for a long time that copper is an essential element in human nutrition, but they are learning more every day. The main functions of copper are related to its activity as a component of a number of enzymes. One of the most important of these copper enzyme functions is the production of hemoglobin, the iron-carrying protein in your blood. Other functions that involve copper enzymes include healing of wounds and the release of energy from your cells. Get rid of free radicals Most of the copper found in your body is in the Cu++ form. These copper ions have the ability to easily take on and give up electrons, a trait which is important in dealing with unstable free radicals in your body. Fun Fact: Copper has been recognized as vital to human health and for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years, going back to the ancient Egyptians. Too little or too much copper Copper deficiency is rare, since it is found in a variety of foods. Premature infants and those suffering with malnutrition are the groups most likely to suffer from a copper deficiency. Copper toxicity is also rare, particularly from foods. However, excessive intake of copper from supplements may cause liver damage. Interesting Fact: If you have copper pipes in your house, you may be getting some of your dietary copper from the water you drink. The longer the water sits in the pipe, the more copper will dissolve into it, so the first water you run in the morning, will have the highest concentration of copper. Eventually, the pipe may soften and spring a leak, especially if your water is acidic. The good news—you get some copper in your diet; the bad news—you may get an unexpected shower! Upper Level The upper intake level that has been established for adults for copper is 10,000 µg per day.
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Copper Sources and Functions Copper Sources and Functions
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