Health Benefits of Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for survival. It is found in all body tissues
and plays a role in making red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells and the immune
system. It also helps the body form collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in energy
production.
Most copper in the body is found in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle.
Impairments have been linked to Menkes, Wilson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Deficiency can lead to cardiovascular disease and other problems.
This article looks at the health benefits of copper, sources, and any potential health
risks.
Health benefits
Copper is a useful material, but it is also a valuable mineral found in food. Copper is an
essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood
cells.
It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it
contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent
cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
Cardiovascular health
Low copper levels have been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. One
group of researchers has suggested that some patients with heart failure may benefit
from copper supplements.
Neuron signaling
In 2016, Prof. Chris Chang, a chemist who is part of the Sackler Sabbatical Exchange
Program at Berkeley, CA, devised and used a fluorescent probe to track the movement
of copper in and out of nerve cells. Prof. Chang says: “Copper is like a brake or dimmer
switch, one for each nerve cell.”
His team found that, if high amounts of copper enter a cell, this appears to reduce
neuron signaling. When copper levels in that cell fall, signaling resumes.
Immune function
Too little copper can lead to neutropenia. This is a deficiency of white blood cells, or
neutrophils, which fight off infection.
A person with a low level of neutrophils is more likely to get an infectious disease.
Osteoporosis
Severe copper deficiency is 1lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of
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More research is needed on how marginal copper deficiency may affect bone health,
and how copper supplementation might help prevent and manage osteoporosis.
Collagen production
Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen and elastin, major structural
components of our bodies. Scientists have hypothesized thatTrusted Source copper
may have antioxidant properties, and that, together with other antioxidants, a healthful
intake may help prevent skin aging.
Without sufficient copper, the body cannot replace damaged connective tissue or the
collagen that makes up the scaffolding for [Link] can lead to a range of problems,
including joint dysfunction, as bodily tissues begin to break down.
Arthritis
Animal studies have indicated that copper may help prevent or delay arthritis, and
people wear copper bracelets for this [Link] here for more details
Antioxidant action
Copper may also have an antioxidant function. It may help reduce the production of free
radicals.
Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, leading to cancer and other diseases.
Deficiency
Since copper is stored in the liver, deficiencies develop slowly over time.
Effects of deficiency
Low levels of copper can lead to:
● anemia
● low body temperature
● bone fractures
● osteoporosis
● loss of skin pigmentation
● thyroid problems
Other effects of copper deficiency
Copper deficiency has also been linked to:
● an increased risk of infection
● osteoporosis
● depigmentation of the hair and skin
● anemia, as copper contributes to the creation of red blood cells
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