Copper

Food Sources

The richest food sources of copper are oysters and other shellfish. Be ware of shellfish from the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean because they are higher in mercury. In earlier times a major source of copper came from drinking water flowing through copper pipes.

Available Forms

Copper bisglycinate chelate is the best form of copper.

Deficiency

Many enzyme systems require copper and a deficiency could affect several body tissues. One in particular is iron deficiency because copper is required in proper iron absorption and utilization. Copper is also necessary for proper function of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which is required in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. Copper deficiency is associated with poor collagen integrity. This poor integrity can manifest itself into rupturing blood vessels, osteoporosis, and bone and joint abnormalities.

Benefits

Copper is used principally in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and treatment of arthritis. Copper deficiency could be a chief factor in atherosclerotic vascular disease (hardening of the arteries) and aortic aneurysms (rupturing blood vessels).

Quick Facts

Copper is the third most abundant trace mineral in the body after iron and zinc. The highest amounts of copper is in the brain and liver.

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