Copper is Used Throughout the Body

Virtually every cell in the body utilises copper and – together with iron and zinc – copper is one of the trio of minerals essential to good health. Copper is vital to the health of the body from foetal development through to old age. Quite simply, without copper our brains, nervous systems and cardiovascular systems could not function normally.

Copper is essential for:

• Brain development during foetal and post-natal growth, and maintenance of brain health throughout life, including effective anti-oxidative defence

• Efficient communication between nerve cells

• Maintenance of healthy skin and connective tissue

• Wound healing

• Structural integrity and function of heart and blood vessels

• Growth of new blood vessels

• Proper structure and function of circulating blood cells

• Formation of the cells of our immune system (white blood cells)

• Maintenance of a healthy and effective immune response

• Generation and storage of energy in the ‘power plants’ of our cells, the mitochondria.

 

Beyond the Brain

The liver
After copper is ingested, it is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Here, copper bonds with transport proteins, which carry it to the liver. Once copper is taken up into the liver, it is either stored, distributed around the body in transport proteins or excreted into the bile.

Copper plays a central role in the conversion of iron to its useable iron (III) (ferric) form and also helps transport iron around the body. Copper deficiency can lead to anaemia and tissue iron overload.

The brain and nervous system
Copper is crucial for the normal development of the brain and nervous system. It plays a role in the production and maintenance of myelin, which insulates nerve cells, so ensuring the proper transmission of nerve impulses.

Copper is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells. Copper deficiency can lead to degeneration of the nervous system.

 

Cells
The release of cellular energy (ATP) inside the mitochondria depends on the crucial involvement of a copper-containing enzyme. A similarly vital function for copper, as a cofactor, is the neutralisation of free radicals that would otherwise oxidise and destroy healthy cells. Copper deficiency can lead to cancer and heart disease.

 

Copper is essential for the reactions in mitochondria that drive the metabolism of cells. This illustration shows a section through a mitochondrion. (Courtesy of Gida.de.)

The heart
Copper is essential for the synthesis of collagen. This is found in connective tissue, which is the main supporting and binding tissue of the body. Copper is also needed for healthy muscle tone and function and so plays a vital role in the heart. Copper deficiency can lead to heart failure.

 

Muscle and connective tissue in the heart contain elastin and collagen. Copper is the cofactor in lysyl oxidase, the enzyme involved in cross linking these molecules to form strong tissue. (Courtesy of Gida.de.)

Blood vessels
Copper serves as a cofactor for an enzyme involved in the coagulation of blood. The blood vessels are surrounded and protected by connective tissue, and copper helps to sustain their elasticity, particularly for the aorta and smaller arteries. Copper deficiency can lead to circulatory problems and low blood pressure.

Copper is essential for a wide range of biological functions that play an important role in maintaining healthy skin, namely tone, wound healing, and ultraviolet (UV) protection.

Copper is required for the production of collagen and elastin, two components that provide support and elasticity for skin. As a cofactor for the enzyme tyrosinase, copper is involved in the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin, which provides protection from UV radiation. Copper deficiency can lead to skin degeneration and loss of pigmentation.

Bone
Collagen is the main structural material in bone. Cross-linking of collagen molecules affects bone strength. Enzymes with copper cofactors are involved in this process. Copper deficiency can lead to fractures, skeletal abnormalities and osteoporosis.

The immune system
Copper is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy white blood cell count; many of these white cells are phagocytes which engulf and destroy microorganisms. Copper deficiency can lead to a depressed immune system, reduced white cell count and increased incidence of pneumonia.

 

Copper is essential for a healthy immune system.