Copper is one of the trace minerals found in our body, but did you know that copper is essential to health and vitality? Keep reading to find out more about copper deficiency symptoms.
What is Copper?
Copper is one of the essential nutrients that we don’t hear much about, but it is necessary for our survival. Both too little or too much can damage our heart, brain, bones, skin and immune system. So, it is very important to know how much we really need for our body to function well. Copper is necessary for our immune system, protecting the brain and preventing premature aging. It is found in every tissue in our body.
The Role of Copper in Our Body
Copper is a co-factor for several enzymes known as cuproenzymes. These enzymes are involved in energy production, neurological signalling and the creation of connective tissues. Copper is also involved in the formation of new blood vessels. It has antioxidant properties, and it participates in the defence against oxidative stress. Copper maintains the functioning of the immune system, helps balance various neurohormones, regulates gene expressions, supports brain development and affects skin pigmentation. It is important for the health and functioning of our brain, bones and joints, heart, arteries, skin and immune system.
Symptoms of Copper Deficiency
Since many foods contain copper, its deficiency is generally less about intake and more often due to intestinal problems or a genetic condition. Maintaining adequate levels of copper in the body depends mostly on absorption from the intestines, so intestinal problems, such as Celiac disease, can disrupt or prevent copper absorption.
Symptoms of copper deficiency include:
- Anaemia
- Bone and connective tissue abnormalities
- Brain diseases
- Heart problems
- Skin conditions and ageing of the skin
- Low immune system
Foods that Contain Copper
Copper is found in many foods. Foods with the highest levels of copper include:
- Products of animal origin, such as:
- Organ meats
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Red meat
- Plant-based Sources, such as:
- Cashews
- Sunflower Seeds
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Buckwheat
- Millet
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Potatoes
- Tofu
- Dark Chocolate
Copper Toxicity
Copper toxicity occurs when we get dangerously high levels of copper in our bodies. There are several ways to get this, and they include:
- Drinking water – Copper can get into drinking water through old, corroded copper pipes.
- Cooking food – Cooking food, especially acidic food like tomatoes, in uncoated copper cookware.
- Wilson disease – A rare inborn error of metabolism that begins with an overload of the liver with copper, and then moves on to the brain and other tissues.
- Toxicity from copper supplementation – Some multivitamins contain double the recommended daily intake.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment, so please consult with your doctor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.