Is essential in all plants and animals. It is found in a variety of enzymes, including the copper centers of cytochrome c oxidase and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (containing copper and zinc). In addition to its enzymatic roles, copper is used for biological electron transport. Because of its role in facilitating iron uptake, copper deficiency can often produce anemia-like symptoms. Dietary sources include curry powder, mushroom, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grains and animal meat.
A mineral that assists with iron storage and helps release iron to form red blood cells. Copper helps keep bones, blood vessels and nerves healthy. It is an optional statement on nutrition labels unless added as a nutrient supplement.
A metallic trace element.
An essential mineral important as an antioxidant, as a component of the cytochromes, and is essential to the use of iron and the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Copper is a micromineral that is essential in the diet. Dietary copper is obtained through many food sources but is most concentrated in organ meats such as the liver. More common sources include shellfish, whole grains, legumes, meats, fish, poultry, and nuts. Copper is required for a variety of functions, especially as a cofactor for many enzymes including several involved in the production of the protein collagen, which is essential for the development of connective tissue and bones. Copper also participates in the metabolism of tyrosine to various neurotransmitters and hormones. It is sometimes considered an antioxidant nutrient due to its activity with superoxide dismutase, an important antioxidant enzyme. Copper has not received serious attention for potential ergogenic benefits, although a few, but not all, studies have demonstrated decreased copper status in athletes.
A mineral vital to the body, though only in trace amounts, to help form proteins and enzymes that manage biochemical functions and to help form red blood cells. Copper is found in organ meats (such as liver, kidneys, and heart), shellfish, dried beans and peas, nuts, fruits (especially raisins), and mushrooms. Copper deficiency is rare, but excess can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as when people eat food cooked in unlined copper pots or drink alcohol distilled with copper tubing; if continued, this copper poisoning can lead to serious health problems, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver. Copper can also build up in the body as a result of certain diseases, such as Wilson’s disease.
Metallic element essential to normal body function.
A mineral in blood essential for hemoglobin synthesis; and excreted in urine in increased amounts in certain liver diseases, infections, heart attack, and leukemia and in decreased amounts in Wilson’s disease and sprue.
A mineral that is essential for manufacturing collagen (a protein that is a major component of connective tissue) and for enabling oxygen to bind to hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Copper deficiency causes an anemia that resembles iron deficiency anemia. Copper is also necessary for healthy functioning of the heart, efficient energy production, and absorption of iron from the digestive tract. Dietary copper is found in whole grains, nuts, liver, and oysters.
A mineral that is essential for manufacturing collagen (a protein that is a major component of connective tissue) and for enabling oxygen to bind to hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Copper deficiency causes an anemia that resembles iron deficiency anemia. Copper is also necessary for healthy functioning of the heart, efficient energy production, and absorption of iron from the digestive tract. Dietary copper is found in whole grains, nuts, liver, and oysters.
Copper is an essential nutrient for humans, and all tissues in the human body contain traces of it. The total amount in the adult body is 100-150 mg. Many essential enzyme systems are dependent on traces of copper; on the other hand, there is no evidence that dietary deficiency of copper ever occurs in humans. Infants are born with an ample store, and the normal diet for an adult contains around 2 mg of copper a day. It is used in medicine as the two salts, sulphate of copper (blue stone) and nitrate of copper. The former is, in small doses, a powerful astringent, and in larger doses an irritant. Both are caustics when applied externally. Externally, either is used to rub on unhealthy ulcers and growths to stimulate the granulation tissue to more rapid healing.
A metal, with atomic weight 63.54, atomic number 29, and specific gravity 8.96. Its salts are irritant poisons. Small quantities of copper are used by the body. Symptoms of deficiency include anemia, weakness, impaired respiration and growth, and poor use of iron.
Copper is a metallic element that plays a crucial role as a component of various enzymes, which are responsible for regulating chemical reactions within the body. The body requires copper in small quantities. However, an excessive amount can accumulate due to the rare inherited condition known as Wilson’s disease.