Copper+(Cu)

The body contains 80-150mg. of copper on average, and is found in several organs (liver, kidney and the brain) 92% of copper circulating in the serum is linked to a blue protein called ceruloplasmin, which has oxidasic properties; the remaining copper is linked to albumin. In red blood cells, it is linked to another protein called erythrocuprin.

=Role of Copper= -Synthesis of hemoglobin and protein -Absorption of iron -Proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, the skeleton and the nervous system -Contributes to a number of metabolic activities in the liver and the adrenal cortices in particular -Reinforcing the body's natural defenses -Anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory actions

=Pro-Compounds= Cobalt, Iron, Zinc

=Anti-Compounds= Zinc (excess), Manganese

=Daily Requirements= Adults: 1.5-3mg/day Children: 50µg./kg. Infants: 80µg./kg.

=Deficiency= -Lower Iron Absorption (anemia) -Lower neutrophilic white cell level (less resistant to infections) -Bone demineralization

=Excess= -Fatigue -Irritability -Nervousness -Depression -Learning Problems in Children

=Sources= CONTENTS IN mg./100g.
 * Veal Liver || 15.0 ||  ||   ||   || Dried Beans || 0.6 ||
 * Sheep Liver || 15.0 ||  ||   ||   || Lentils, Dried Peas || 0.6 ||
 * Scallops || 10.0 ||  ||   ||   || Oatmeal || 0.6 ||
 * Oysters (dz.) || 4.0 ||  ||   ||   || Mushrooms || 0.6 ||
 * Cocoa || 3.5 ||  ||   ||   || Watercress || 0.6 ||
 * Mussels || 2.2 ||  ||   ||   || Chestnuts || 0.6 ||
 * Crayfish || 2.0 ||  ||   ||   || Horse || 0.6 ||
 * Lobster || 2.0 ||  ||   ||   || Lamb, Duck || 0.4 ||
 * Beef Liver || 2.0 ||  ||   ||   || Whole Wheat Bread || 0.4 ||
 * Wheat Germ || 1.3 ||  ||   ||   || Goose, Pork, Chicken || 0.3 ||
 * Crab, shrimp || 1.0 ||  ||   ||   || Dried Fruits || 0.3 ||
 * Fish Eggs || 1.0 ||  ||   ||   || Whole Eggs || 0.08 ||
 * Almonds, nuts || 1.0 ||  ||   ||   || Fish || 0.05 ||
 * Hazelnuts || 1.0 ||  ||   ||   || Green Vegetables || 0.05 ||
 * Pepper || 1.0 ||  ||   ||   || Fresh Fruits || 0.05 ||
 * White Bread || 1.0 ||  ||   ||   || Beef, mutton || 0.05 ||

Copper-rich Food Supplements
-Powdered Oysters -Seaweed -Seawater -Plasma Marinum -Wheat Germ -Molasses

=Therapeutic Indications= -Rheumatism -Liver Affections -Influenza (as a colloidal trace element) -Allergies -Anemia -Arthrosis -Grey Hair -Fatigue -Hypothyroidism -Hypercholesterolemia -Ulcers -Vitiligo'

=
================================================================================= COPPER • -Excreted into the bile duct • -Found in 1875 in the serum • -Mostly in the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, bones and teeth • -Muscles store 40% -90% of Cu in blood is found as ceruloplasmin, the rest attached to albumin and amino acids • -Absorption inhibited by fructose and sucrose • -Absorbed primarily in small intestines, 30-50% of ingested, not affected much by fiber. • Study – topical Vit C, Zn and E improved burn healing times – 5.3 days vs 7.5 J of burn care research – 2009; 30 p859 • Zinc in Poligrip denture cream– Glaxosmith Kl;ine was inducing cu deficiency ( overuse  300mg /d) roctor and Gamble also has Zinc in their Fixodent – ½ the dose. Neurology 2008;71, 639

Function
• -Cofactor for enzymes • -Cytochrome oxidase • -Dopamine and catecholamine synthesis in the brain and adrenals (p125) • -Melanin synthesis • -Ceruloplasmin – involved with SOD, free radical scavenging and iron release from the liv • -Cross links collagen and elastin for connective tissue repair- angiogenesis • -Estrogen breakdown • -Anti-inflammatory thru SOD • -Copper salicylate- pain reliever not available now except thru compounding pharmacies- doesn’t irritate the gut • Thyroid synthesis reduced with higher levels • -Myelin synthesis • -Cancer inhibition (reducing inflammation) or induction (angiogenesis)? –Both have been shown to occur low levels linked to stomach cancer. • -Cholesterol –lowers chol while extra Zn raises • Prevention of aneurisms

• RDA-none Avg. intake: 1.2-1.7mg/d (Safe –1- 3mg/d) Lab: serum and hair not best, WBCs good for reflection of intracellular levels. • Optimal: 2-4mg/d depending if any toxic load

• Sources: liver, rye, beans, Brazil nuts, cashews, peas, and molasses (p.127)

• **Deficiency**: occurs sometimes, usually with other mineral deficiencies, Iron can inhibit absorption. • Sxs: Hemolysis with brain and liver damage, anemia, neutropenia, degeneration of vasculature, depigmentation of the skin, kinky hair, hypotonia, hypothermia. • Anemia is a primary symptom of deficiency – unresponsive to iron.

Treatment
• 1. Anemia – microcytic d/t lack of iron absorption and release from the liver. • 2. Enhance immunity • 3. Vitiligo • 4. Skin cancer prevention • 5. Prevention of aneurisms and CVD – angiogenesis • 6. Stomach cancer prevention – Zn: Cu ratio • 7. Wilson’s disease – excess copper Interactions: Zn • NSAIDs, penicillamine and corticosteroids interfere with absorption. • Vitiligo: • Use PABA internally and externally, a good multivitamin and additional pantothenic acid, Vitol Great Hair or other high biotin supplement, and replenish the intestinal flora. – Copper and B12