Copper is found in all body tissues, plays a role in making red blood cells with iron & maintaining nerve cells, the immune system, formation of collagen, plays a role in energy production, aids in iron absorption, helps carry oxygen to your brain. Most copper in the body is found in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, skeletal muscle & regulating stress response.
Body needs copper to produce specific enzymes responsible for making the connective tissue in our ligaments, tendons & heart. These enzymes are also involved with maintaining strong blood vessel structure & support bone formation. Copper plays an important role in melanin formation. Copper peptides possibly stimulates hair follicles, so they receive adequate oxygen & nutrients to produce new hair growth.
Normal copper level in blood is 70-140 microgram/dL for males & 80-155 microgram/dL.
Copper deficiency can lead to problems with connective tissue, muscle weakness, anemia, low white blood cell count, neurological problems, paleness. As an antioxidant, it binds with free radicals in our body, preventing them from harming our cells. Excessive free radicals, in long run, can cause chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis & heart disease.
Besides, copper deficiency causes low body temperature, bone fractures and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count, irregular heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin, thyroid problems.
Copper poisoning occurs from prolonged use of copper dietary supplements or from drinking contaminated water. Poisoning cause feeling of anxiety, irritability, non-attention, overexcited, sad, mood changes with other common symptoms abdominal cramps, nausea, jaundice etc.
Main reason for copper deficiency is malabsorption due to bariatric surgery. Ascorbic acid is known to inhibit the absorption of copper. Rich dietary copper sources include shellfish, seeds, nuts, organ meats, wheat-bran cereals, whole-grain products, chocolate, potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene (vitamin A), copper, potassium, manganese, Vit B6, B5, Vit E.
Copper supplements like copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper chloride are prescribed for copper deficiency as medication.
TAILPIECE: Copper is a micro-nutrient, eating or drinking out of copper vessels healthy as it is great for the immune system, digestion. Water stored in a copper vessel is alkaline and better for your health. However, avoid preparation of acidic foods in copper vessels since the acids react with copper.
Agappe, your best partner in diagnostics, offers Copper reagent in semi auto clinical chemistry analyzer platform.
www.agappe.com/in/blog-details/272
Posted by agappeltd on 2021-09-22 06:58:28
Tagged: , #copper , #micronutrients , #essentials , #health , #informativepost , #AgappeDiagnostics
