Like most trace minerals, copper acts as an enzyme cofactor in several key metabolic processes in the body. Among its many functions, copper aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin and red blood cells, therefore enabling the efficient transport of oxygen throughout the body. In addition, copper works in balance with vitamin C and zinc to manufacture elastin (skin protein) as well as collagen and other structural proteins in cartilage and tendons. It is also involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring (production of melanin) and taste sensitivity. Copper stimulates the absorption of iron through the copper transport protein ceruloplasmin. Copper also aids in the metabolism of several fatty acids and helps prevent oxidative damage by serving as a cofactor to superoxide dismutase. In addition, copper is needed for proper insulation (mylination) of nerve cells and serves as a cofactor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

Sources:

Legumes, mushrooms, chocolate, nuts and seeds, shellfish and liver are high in copper all greater than 2.4 µg per gram.

Food, water and air (via combustion and fossil fuels and agriculture) are sources of copper.

Copper pipes and fixtures in household plumbing may allow copper to leak into water.

Fecal copper (Cu) provides an estimate of very recent exposure to Cu, and to some extent biliary Cu excretion. The biliary / fecal route is the main route of excretion for Cu from the body.

Copper, a trace element, is a crucial component on a Toxic and Essential Elements panel when assessed in whole blood. It plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, acting as a key cofactor in various enzymatic reactions. Copper is integral in the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of healthy nerves and bones, and the absorption and utilization of iron. It also contributes to the synthesis of ATP, the body's primary energy currency, and is involved in the formation of connective tissue and the functioning of the immune system.

Copper is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron.

Hair Copper (Cu) levels are usually indicative of body status, except that exogenous contamination may occur giving a false normal (or false high). Common sources of contamination include: permanent solutions, dyes, bleaches, and swimming pools/hot tubs in which Cu compounds have been used as algaecides.

Cu is an essential element that activates specific enzymes. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a Cu (and zinc) dependent enzyme; lysyl oxidase which catalyzes crosslinking of collagen is another Cu dependent enzyme. Adrenal catecholamine synthesis is Cu dependent, because the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which catalyzes formation of norepinephrine from dopamine, requires Cu.

If hair Cu is in the normal range, this usually means tissue levels are in the normal range. However, under circumstances of contamination, a real Cu deficit could appear as a (false) normal. If symptoms of Cu deficiency are present, a whole blood or red blood cell elements analysis can be performed for confirmation of Cu status.

Sources:

Legumes, mushrooms, chocolate, nuts and seeds, shellfish and liver are high in copper all greater than 2.4 µg per gram.

Food, water and air (via combustion and fossil fuels and agriculture) are sources of copper.

Copper pipes and fixtures in household plumbing may allow copper to leak into water.

Copper serum is one of the diagnostic methods of ascertaining whether a patient is suffering from some kind of liver problem or from a genetic disease called Wilson’s disease.

Copper is an essential mineral in the body and directly or indirectly affects virtually every bodily system function. Copper is required for energy production, cardiovascular health, neurotransmitter activity, female reproductive system, skin health, blood formation and the immune system.

Copper is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron deficiency anemia. The liver makes a special protein, ceruloplasm, to transport copper and help convert iron to a form that can be used by other tissues.

The copper to zinc ratio refers to the relative proportion of copper to zinc in the body, and it is an important indicator of overall health. Both copper and zinc are essential trace minerals that play crucial roles in various physiological processes. An optimal balance between the two is vital for several functions, including immune system efficiency, antioxidant defense, and neurological function. Imbalances in this ratio, whether skewed towards an excess of copper or a deficiency of zinc, can be associated with a range of health concerns.