Re: Why is copper levels important?

[Guest guest]

http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/copper_blood_test.html

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: mqsymth <alphadennis@...>

> Subject: Why is copper levels important?

>

> Date: Monday, February 22, 2010, 6:06 PM

> Why are copper levels

> important?  What effects does low copper levels or

> copper being at the bottom of the blood test range have.

>

> What negative effects can one observe in one's body if

> copper is too low?

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[Guest guest]

I think this has the info you are looking for - Arkansas

 

WHY ARE THESE THREE MINERALS ESSENTIAL?

Copper, iron, and zinc are essential trace nutrients because they

cannot be made, or synthesized, in the body. They are needed

throughout one’s lifetime, but only in small quantities. These

essential nutrients have to be obtained from food and drinking

water, and occasionally as dietary supplements, and are necessary

for the body to function normally. The three minerals are

sometimes competitive when iron or zinc supplements are taken,

that is, they can either inhibit or enhance each other’s absorption.

HOW MUCH COPPER, IRON, AND ZINC DO WE NEED

DAILY?

Recommended Daily Intakes of copper are 1 mg/day for adults,

1.3 mg/day for pregnant and lactating women; for iron, 8 mg/day

for men, 18 mg/day for women (27 mg/day in pregnancy); for zinc,

15 mg/day for men, 12 mg/day for women.

WHY DO WE NEED COPPER?

We need copper for blood vessel formation, a healthy heart, and

for stabilizing the collagen, or connective tissue, which binds one

part of the body to another. Copper is also needed for brain

development and for the effective communication between nerve

cells in the brain, as well as for healthy bones and teeth.

WHY DO WE NEED ZINC?

We need zinc for many biological functions, and because it plays

a crucial role in more than 300 enzymes (vital chemicals that

speed up the rate of reaction between substances) in the human

body. Among zinc’s tasks are growth and fertility, a healthy

immune system, and healthy skin, hair, nails and eyes.

WHY DO WE NEED IRON?

Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain

good health such as oxygen transport and the regulation of

cell growth. Almost two-thirds of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin,

the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues

 

HOW DO THESE IMBALANCES BETWEEN THIS ESSENTIAL TRIO

OCCUR?

Taking mega-doses (more than 15 to 30 times the Recommended Daily

Allowance) of zinc supplements to fight colds and boost the immune system

has become very popular. To combat iron deficiency, the most common nutritional

deficiency worldwide according to the World Health Organization, supplements of

iron are often taken.

HOW DO COPPER AND IRON INTERACT?

Iron supplements may inhibit intestinal zinc and copper absorption because

these elements may compete for binding to a transporter molecule located in

the small intestine. Copper-dependent enzymes are needed to transport iron

in the body, and a lack of copper causes secondary iron deficiency.

HOW DO COPPER AND ZINC INTERACT?

It is most likely a combination of two properties of zinc. 1) Zinc causes an

elevation of metallothioneins (proteins that bind zinc as well as copper very

avidly in the cell). High levels of these copper binders make copper unavailable

where it is needed in the body. 2) Copper and zinc compete for absorption from

the intestine into the bloodstream, and both are absorbed by the same processes.

In fact, zinc is so effective in reducing copper that it is the standard

treatment for Disease, a rare genetic disorder in which copper

accumulates in the liver, brain, and cornea.

WHAT ADVERSE EFFECTS RESULT FROM COPPER DEFICIENCY?

Patients suffering from severe copper deficiency after excessive zinc

supplementation developed irreversible neurological symptoms (such as gait

abnormalities and painful tingling and numbness). Copper deficiency can also be

a risk factor for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular

disease. Even mild copper deficiency can result in a higher rate of colds and

flu, loss of skin tone, reproductive problems, and fatigue.

SO HOW DO WE STRIKE A BALANCE AMONG THESE THREE

ESSENTIAL MINERALS?

It is very important to remember that more is not necessarily better when it

comes to any nutrient. For optimal health with regard to the essential trio of

copper, zinc, and iron, we should follow the US National Academy of Sciences

guideline that for anyone who takes an iron supplement of 30 mg or more per day,

under supervision of a physician, they should balance it with about 15 mg zinc

and 2 mg of copper. Moreover, pregnant women should consult with their

physicians to ensure that their prenatal supplements contain the proper balance

of copper, zinc, and iron.

From: mqsymth <alphadennis@...>

Subject: Why is copper levels important?

Date: Monday, February 22, 2010, 5:06 PM

 

Why are copper levels important? What effects does low copper levels or copper

being at the bottom of the blood test range have.

What negative effects can one observe in one's body if copper is too low?

[Guest guest]

Wow Dan that one was great if you have a link for this can you put it in the

links section. I had one like this but can't find it in my Favorites files.

Thanks.

Co-Moderator

Phil

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> From: mqsymth <alphadennis@...>

> Subject: Why is copper levels important?

>

> Date: Monday, February 22, 2010, 5:06 PM

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> Why are copper levels important? What effects does low

> copper levels or copper being at the bottom of the blood

> test range have.

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> What negative effects can one observe in one's body if

> copper is too low?

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[Guest guest]

When copper levels are low then you probably have issues with metal transport

with in the gut namely the metallthione mechanism that is responsible for

transporting zinc and iron, copper from the gut to the blood. To much iron/zinc,

low estrodial, or low adreanline could becausing this. People that are

undermethylatied also have this problem of storing copper and not getting rid of

it properly resulting in build up of biounavailable copper

Take >40 mgs of zinc a day and even though copper in in mutlivtamin it can still

bind with other minerals and not get absorbed properly.

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> From: mqsymth <alphadennis@...>

> Subject: Why is copper levels important?

>

> Date: Monday, February 22, 2010, 5:06 PM

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> Why are copper levels important? What effects does low copper levels or copper

being at the bottom of the blood test range have.

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> What negative effects can one observe in one's body if copper is too low?

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