Copper
Cu — Element #29
also known as Cupric sulfate, Copper gluconate, Copper bisglycinate, Ceruloplasmin-bound copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral that functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, connective tissue synthesis, and antioxidant defense. The liver regulates copper homeostasis; it is transported in blood primarily bound to ceruloplasmin. Copper is required for proper iron utilization — deficiency can cause an anemia that mimics iron deficiency.
- Cofactor for cytochrome c oxidase, the final enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain
- Required for ceruloplasmin-mediated iron oxidation, enabling iron transport from storage to circulation
- Involved in synthesis of collagen and elastin via lysyl oxidase, supporting connective tissue integrity
- Component of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), a key antioxidant enzyme
- Required for dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which converts dopamine to norepinephrine
- Supports normal immune function, brain development, and pigmentation (melanin synthesis via tyrosinase)
Active in Cu²⁺ (cupric), Cu⁺ (cuprous).
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): 10 mg/day for adults
Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder of copper overload causing liver and neurological damage; copper intake must be restricted under medical supervision
Chronic excess copper ingestion (e.g., from copper pipes) causes hepatotoxicity, nausea, and cirrhosis
High-dose zinc supplementation competitively inhibits copper absorption and can induce copper deficiency
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