The body uses copper in several systems.  In the blood, it is a component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying portion of the red blood cell.  A deficiency of copper leads to anemia.  It is important for wound healing and maintaining the integrity of the skin, bone, cartilage and tendons.  Copper works with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin and collagen, which provide structural stability to most tissues and play a special role in maintaining elasticity in areas like the lungs and skin.

Copper is a component of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the hair and skin.  One of copper’s most important roles is as part antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD).  SOD protects the red blood cells from damage by free radicals.  Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.  Ironically if copper is taken in excess amounts it acts as an oxidant, produces free radicals and can cause tissue damage.  Therefore it is important to take copper in moderate amounts.  Copper is recommended by natural health care practitioners for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, poor hair and skin quality, and low immune function.

Supplemental copper is available in many forms and as a single mineral or in a mineral complex.  Chelated or citrated copper supplements are easier for the body to use. Chelated simply means that copper is bonded to a protein molecule or amino acid, and citrated means that copper is bonded to a citrate molecule.   Both processes enhance copper’s absorption in the intestinal tract.  It is often recommended to take a zinc supplement concurrently with copper, usually in a ratio of 10-15mg of zinc to 1mg copper.

It is important to balance one’s consumption of copper with zinc and vitamin C.  High intake of vitamin C or zinc causes copper levels to decline and high copper intake causes levels of vitamin C and zinc to decline.  If your diet is high in fructose, fruit sugar, a copper deficiency is more likely to occur.  Some antibiotics and antiviral medications deplete copper.  Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen can increase serum copper levels.  Eye tissue is particularly sensitive to damage from copper and those with eye disease should use copper cautiously.