Bowenwork
FAQ
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Copper
Atomic # 29 Symbol -
CU Atomic Weight
63.546 Density - 8.96 g/cm
Mineral
Maintenance
VitaWave
Colloidal Minerals
Copper is a trace mineral that is found in all
cell tissue in the human body. It's use, nutrition-wise, dates back to 1928 when
it was discovered that copper was needed in order for iron to be properly
assimilated by the body. This was confirmed in 1935 by Elvehjem, when he found
that copper was instrumental in the production of chromoprotein in red blood
cells known as hemoglobin. 75-100 mg. of this trace mineral can be found in the
human body. The greatest concentrations are found in the brain and in the liver.
If an increase in dietary zinc occurs, the possibility exists for a copper
deficiency.
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Functions |
Acts as a cofactor for several enzyme systems (11 of which
are oxidases), a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin, aids in the
absorption of iron and in building healthy blood, aids in the formation of
collagen (used in bone as well as in connective tissue), works in balance
with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin (an important skin protein), it is
involved in the healing process, the synthesis of phospholipids needed to
maintain the myelin sheath, hair, and skin coloring, and is also needed
for healthy nerves and joints. |
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Deficiency can Cause |
(This is widespread) Difficulty breathing, skin sores,
weakness, low white blood cell count. faulty collagen formation,
connective tissue that is easily damaged, thrombic lesions,
demineralization of bone, central nervous system impairment, anemia,
Menke's syndrome (an absorption problem that can appear as steely or kinky
white hair), anuerisms, impaired growth, cerebral degeneration, death,
osteoporosis, baldness, impaired respiratory function, increase blood fat
levels, criminal behavior, depression, fragile bones, hypercholesterolemia,
ototis ("lipping" of epiphyseal plates), liver cirrotosis, and
Swachman's syndrome. |
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Toxicity can Cause |
Depression, irritability, nausea, vomiting, nervousness,
joint and muscle pain. As little as 10 mg can make you nauseous, while 60
mg will usually result in vomiting. Just 3.5 grams can be fatal, and
these amounts are smaller with children. Wilson's disease results with
excessive accumulation of copper in soft tissue. Headaches, dizziness, and
a metallic taste are also symptoms of copper toxicity. Severe cases,
although rare, tachycardia, hypertension, jaundice, uremia, coma, and
death can occur. Supplemental copper over 2 mg per day unless directed by
a physician is not recommended. |
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Food Sources |
The best sources for copper include green vegetables, nuts,
and legumes |
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Herbal Sources |
Skullcap, sage leaf, white oak bark, horsetail herb, yucca
root, brewer's yeast, pumpkin seed, and gotu kola herb. |
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Forms Available
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Copper is generally found in all multi-vitamins and mineral
supplements. It can also be found as an individual supplement in forms
such as copper oxide, copper gluconate, copper citrate, copper sulfate, as
well as copper chelates. The forms copper citrate and the chelated forms
are the most recommended. |
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RDA*
(Recommended Daily Allowance) |
Currently, there are no RDA for copper. Estimated safe and
adequate ranges for copper are as follows:
Infants to 6months - 0.4 to 0.6 mg.
6 months to 1 year - 0.6 to 0.7 mg.
Children to 3 years - 0.7 to 1.0 mg.
4 to 6 years
- 1.0 to 1.5 mg.
7 to 10 years - 1.0
to 2.0 mg.
Young Adults and Adults
11 plus - 1.5 to 3.0 mg. |
*The Nutrition Desk Reference by Robert Garrison, Jr.,
M.A., R.Ph. and Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. (Keats Publishing Company, New
Canaan, Connecticut) 1995, pp. 192.
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