Copper and its Functions

The mineral copper is an important part of a various body functions, mainly within the brain and liver. A body requires it for normal growth and health for all ages. Some of copper’s functions include:

• Iron transport
• Bone strength
• Metabolism of cholesterol
• Brain development (beginning with infancy)
• Immune function
• The maturing of red and white blood cells

Where to Find Copper

Copper is naturally found in several different foods. One does not require a large amount of the mineral, but consume it by eating seafood, nuts, liver, beans, avocados and mushrooms. Each of those foods contains a different amount of copper that is abundant for most people. Taking a daily multi vitamin containing Copper is a great choice as well.

Copper Deficiency

Copper deficiency is rare but is known to cause anemia and osteoporosis in those who lack it. Other more general symptoms include a decrease in the metabolism of cholesterol causing higher LDL (bad) levels and lower HDL (good) levels, overall weakness, decrease in the immune system, and some may have sores on their bodies.

Copper-related Diseases

Copper is the main cause of Menkes” disease and Wilson’s disease, both of which are genetic diseases. The change in the metabolism of copper is the reason that it causes both of these diseases.

Menkes” disease is mainly found in male infants. Low levels of copper are detected in the liver and the brain and high levels accumulated in the kidneys and intestinal lining are detected. This disease is fatal and most children die of it within the first ten years of their lives.

It causes slowed development and children with this disease do not accumulate early developmental skills. Seizures, subnormal body temperatures, unusual hair problems and characteristics are often noted with this disease. People with a history of Menkes” disease should have a genetic test done to determine if they may have it.

Wilson’s disease develops when copper is accumulated within the body and is not properly eliminated, thus storing excess amounts in the liver. This can be detected in children after the age of 5, but mainly in people over the age of 30. This disease is also fatal, as Menkes” disease is. People should also have a genetic test performed for this disease as well, if other family members have had a history of it.

The other diseases that copper is typically linked to are cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease (due to occupation exposure to metals), and rheumatoid arthritis. Although, there is not sufficient information that makes a direct correlation between copper and the disease, more research is being conducted to try to prove those theories.

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Sources:
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/mineral_deficiency.jsp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wilsons-disease/DS00411/DSECTION=1
http://www.vitaminherbuniversity.com/topic.asp?categoryid=2&topicid=1020
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/menkes/menkes.htm