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Copper & Human Health
Copper is a natural element that is an essential micronutrient to ensure the well being of all aerobic life forms. It plays a vital part in the development and performance of the human nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as the skin, bone, immune and reproductive systems, including gene transcription. Copper can also inhibit the growth of microbes, thus providing a measure of protection against harmful germs and bacteria in many environments.
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Copper in Nutrition
Copper in Human Health
Copper is one of a relatively small group of metallic elements which are essential to human health. Read about it in this easy to read document by the British Copper Development Association.
Medicinal Applications of Copper
Copper in My Medicine Chest?
Copper has been used in medicine for thousands of years—apparently since before the beginning of recorded history. Just as the ancients were able to derive pharmaceutically active compounds from plants, they also relied on compounds of metals such as copper, manganese and zinc for their medicines. Throughout the history of man, copper has been found useful for its curative powers—largely due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties—in the treatment of wounds and skin diseases.
Copper & Human Health
Although our bodies require only a small amount of copper (U.S. RDA is 0.9 mg for adults), its contribution to human health is undeniable and as essential as calcium, iron and zinc.
Present in our bodies from conception, copper helps form a developing infant’s heart, skeletal and nervous systems, as well as arteries and blood vessels. Copper continues to play a vital role as we age – keeping our hair and skin in good condition while repairing and maintaining connective tissue in our hearts and arteries.
It also facilitates absorption and utilization of iron and enables cells to use the energy present in carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
An improper balance of copper, iron and zinc can result in poor copper status, which over time may lead to heart and circulatory problems, bone abnormalities and complications in the immune system.
Seafood, nuts, whole grain products, wheat bran cereals, organ meats, raisins and chocolate are all dietary sources of copper.
