Copper in health. The roles of copper in your body.

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The roles of copper

	Health is copper coloured

		Copper has been described as the 'workhorse mineral'. As a cofactor for at least 13 enzymes, copper drives a crucial array of chemical reactions that underpin human health and development. After copper is ingested, it is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Here, copper is bound to transport proteins, which convey it to the liver for subsequent distribution throughout the body.

	Where in your body is copper needed?


		Roll over the blue dots, starting with the one in the middle.

Picture 4. Roll over the blue dots to find out where copper is needed.

Cu - the essential nutrient

After copper is ingested, it is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Here, copper is bound to transport proteins, which carry it to the liver. It then gets distributed throughout the body.

Brain and nervous system

Copper is crucial for the normal development of the brain and nervous system. It plays a role in the production and maintenance of myelin, which insulates nerve cells so ensuring the proper transmission of nerve impulses.

Copper is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: degeneration of the nervous system.

Heart

Copper is essential for the synthesis of collagen. This is found in connective tissue, the main supporting and binding tissue of the body.

Copper is also needed for healthy muscle tone and function and so plays a vital role in the heart.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: heart failure.

Bones

Collagen is the key molecule responsible for the rigidity, mechanical strength and competence of bone.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: fractures; skeletal abnormalities; osteoporosis.

Blood and blood vessels

Copper serves as a cofactor for an enzyme involved in the coagulation of blood. The blood vessels are surrounded and protected by connective tissue, and copper helps to sustain their elasticity, particularly for the aorta and smaller arteries.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: low blood pressure; circulatory problems.

Skin

As the most common protein found in human skin, collagen is important in maintaining elasticity. As a cofactor for the enzyme tyrosinase, copper is involved in the synthesis of the skin pigment melanin.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: skin degeneration; albinism.

Immunity

Copper is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy white blood cell count; many of these white cells are phagocytes which engulf and destroy microorganisms.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: depressed immune system - reduced white cell count and increased incidence of pneumonia.

In the cells

The generation of cellular energy (ATP) inside the mitochondria depends on the crucial involvement of a copper-containing enzyme. A similarly vital function for copper as a cofactor is the neutralisation of free radicals that would otherwise oxidise and destroy healthy cells.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: cancer; heart disease.

Transport of iron

Copper plays a central role in the conversion of iron to its useable ferric (Fe III) form and also helps transport iron around the body.

COPPER DEFICIENCY: anaemia; tissue iron overload.


	Excess copper

		Patients with the genetic disorder Wilson's disease accumulate copper in the liver, which results in liver cirrhosis and degeneration of the nervous system. This disease highlights the critical requirement for proper absorption and transport of copper around the body.