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Copper
Copper is a mineral found in trace amounts in all tissues in the body. Although only a small amount is needed, copper is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of hemoglobin (the main component of red blood cells), myelin (the substance that surrounds nerve fibers), collagen (a key component of bones and connective tissue), and melanin (a dark pigment that colors the hair and skin). Copper also works with vitamin C to help make a component of connective tissue known as elastin.
Copper can act as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant. As an antioxidant, it scavenges damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and can damage cell walls, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health conditions. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
When copper acts as a pro-oxidant at times, it promotes free radical damage and may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and, possibly, cervical dysplasia (precancerous lesions of the cervix which forms the opening to the uterus). Maintaining the proper dietary balance of copper (along with other minerals such as zinc and manganese) is important. Your doctor or dietitian can help you do this.
Signs of possible copper deficiency include anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count (the cells that help fight infection), irregular heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin, and thyroid disorders. Infants who are deficient in this mineral tend to have poor feeding habits and lack proper growth.
Uses:
Copper supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with anemia (a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels) because this mineral works together with iron to form hemoglobin.
Animal studies suggest that oral copper supplements reduce the development and progression of arthritis. Many people with arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo) apply copper solutions to their skin or wear copper bracelets in hopes of relieving pain and inflammation associated with this joint condition. Reports of success with these methods, however, are mixed, but one study from the 1970s did show that the copper bracelets worked better than placebo bracelets. Sweat can interfere with how well the topical copper solutions and bracelets work.
When skin is burned, a substantial percentage of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium, and zinc may be lost. This increases the risk for infection, slows the healing process, prolongs the hospital stay, and even increases the risk of death. Although it is unclear which micronutrients are most beneficial for people with burns, many studies suggest that a multivitamin including copper and other minerals may aid in the recovery process.
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Precautions
Given the nature of IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which is characterized by bloody diarrhea, people with this condition can easily lose essential vitamins and minerals, such as copper. When treating IBD, clinicians often recommend a multivitamin containing essential minerals.
In addition, inflammatory bowel disease may be related to damage caused by free radicals. In fact, copper levels may be low in the inflamed tissue of those with IBD, particularly Crohn's disease.
Lab rats deficient in copper tend to have elevated blood sugar levels over time, indicating a possible connection between low copper and diabetes. A study including people with diabetes, however, found very different results. Copper levels were higher in people with diabetes compared to those without. In fact, the higher the copper, the more likely the person was to have complications from the diabetes including retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), high blood pressure, or vascular disease.
Dietary Sources Are:
Seafood like oysters, squid, lobster, mussels, crab, and clams)
Organ meats (such as beef liver, kidneys, and heart)
Nuts and nut butters (such as cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios)
Legumes (such as soybeans, lentils, navy beans, and peanuts)
Chocolate (such as unsweetened or semisweet baker's chocolate and cocoa)
Enriched cereals (such as bran flakes, shredded wheat, and raisin bran)
Fruits and vegetables (such as dried fruits, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, grapes, and avocado)
Blackstrap molasses
Black pepper
Available Forms:
Multivitamins that include minerals generally provide copper. But, copper is also available as an individual oral supplement. Copper is also available as a healing bracelet and in topical solutions.
Recommended for joints Glucosamine
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