Power cables, pipes, coins, jugs and pots - these are the first words that come to mind when you think of copper. But what many people don't know is that this metal performs very important functions in our bodies. In this article, we'll show you why copper is so important, which bodily processes it is involved in and how you can recognize a deficiency and its consequences.
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Why is copper important?
Copper is one of the essential trace elements, which means that the body cannot produce it itself but must absorb it through food. Without copper, many processes in the organism would no longer function. For example, a copper deficiency causes a reduction in the absorption of iron from the intestine, as shown by an animal study published in 2004.
And iron is an essential component in the formation of hemoglobin, which in turn is vital for the transport of oxygen in the blood.
As an antioxidant, copper protects cells from free radicals and is also involved in the formation of bones, skin and hair. Would you like to know a few more functions? Copper also plays a role in the formation of collagen, elastin and melanin as well as in cellular respiration, the production of energy by cells using oxygen.
A study published in the journal Medical Research Reviews goes even further: It suggests that copper could also be suitable for the possible treatment of various degenerative neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
You've probably underestimated the role of copper in the body until now, right? Don't worry, by the end of this article, you'll no longer be able to.
How healthy is copper really?
Copper and neuronal signals
In 2016, a fluorescent probe was used for the first time at the University of California , Berkeley, to show the movement of copper in and out of nerve cells. It turns out that copper acts like a brake or a dimmer switch.
When high levels of copper enter a cell, it appears to reduce neuron signaling. When copper levels in that cell drop, signaling resumes.
Copper and cardiovascular health
A study first published in the European Heart Journal linked low copper levels to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. This gives reason to believe that preparations containing copper could help in the treatment of heart failure.
Copper and osteoporosis
A study by Oregon State University in the USA concluded that severe copper deficiency could be associated with lower bone mineral density and thus a higher risk of osteoporosis.
However, further results are still needed to determine whether this element can actually be incorporated into the treatment of osteoporosis.
Copper and the immune system
A deficiency in copper can lead to neutropenia, suggests a study published in the journal Current Opinion in Hematology.
It is a form of leukopenia in which the number of white blood cells in the blood is too low. If the number of leukocytes in the blood is too low, the susceptibility to bacterial infections increases.
Copper and collagen production
The protein collagen, along with elastin, is considered the body's basic building block. Copper also plays a role in its formation, as a study from 1980 shows.
If copper is not present in sufficient quantities, the body cannot replace the collagen needed to repair damaged connective tissue, for example. In the worst case, this could lead to joint dysfunction due to decaying body tissue.
Copper and nutrition
It's easy to think that a balanced diet prevents a copper deficiency. After all, you don't need too much of this element, do you? In fact, there is still a lack of clarity in the scientific community on this point.
For example, an article published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology concludes that copper levels in the Western diet have declined since the 1930s.
That's why copper-rich foods should definitely be on your menu. In addition to shellfish, oranges and liver, potatoes, coffee, tea, pulses, green vegetables, whole grains, nuts and dark chocolate also contain copper.
Menkes disease (MD)
Although rare, this congenital metabolic disorder affects copper metabolism in the brain. It leads to developmental disorders in young children, which are characterized by increasing weakness and seizures.
The problem with this syndrome is that the body absorbs copper from food, but does not release it into the bloodstream. Instead, the trace element is stored in the kidneys and small intestine. In infants from around 6 to 8 weeks of age, for example, this leads to neurological development delays and growth disorders. The prospects of completing the third year of life are slim.
A clinical study published in the journal Pediatrics International showed that treating infants before symptoms begin could help improve neurological decline and thus mitigate the disease.
Copper deficiency - not a good thing
Copper helps maintain a healthy metabolism in the body and also contributes to the functioning of the nervous system, among other things. It does this by acting as a catalyst that controls the function of enzymes in almost all organs or organ systems.
However, if the need for copper is increased or if there are other reasons for deficiency, this can have serious consequences. These deficiency symptoms can occur if
- you eat a one-sided diet or follow a strict diet
- you eat vegetarian or vegan
- you do very intensive sports
- you are exposed to severe stress
- you take medications or supplements that inhibit copper absorption, such as vitamin C or zinc
-
you suffer from certain diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney failure
Especially in the case of zinc, which competes with copper for absorption in the body, a copper deficiency can occur, as an article in the Ärztezeitung explains. To prevent this, it is recommended to take a high-quality combination preparation .
What if I have taken too much copper?
An overdose of copper is a very rare case. However, if you do consume too much of the mineral, your body will usually respond with vomiting and gastrointestinal problems, although these have no long-term consequences.
Only if you take too high a dose over a longer period of time can it lead to liver and kidney damage, brain damage, anemia or hemolysis, circulatory failure or organ failure.
Therefore, always follow the dosage recommendations on the packaging.
Conclusion: A metal that has it all
Copper plays an important role - also in our body. As an antioxidant, in cellular respiration or the formation of hemoglobin - the trace element is involved in a variety of bodily processes.
Studies suggest that copper is also important for cardiovascular health, fighting osteoporosis and for the immune system.
Although a deficiency is rare, if you cannot keep your copper levels at a healthy level through your diet, only take a high-quality dietary supplement after consulting your doctor.
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[6] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/copper
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[8] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/copper
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[14] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10453199/
