Copper

What role does it play in the organism?
Copper is a trace element of vital importance. It participates in a multitude of biochemical processes via ensuring the functioning of enzymes. It helps red blood cell formation and it is also required for maintaining the appropriate structure of the matrix of connective tissues (collagen). The so-called natural, or innate immune response (the engulfing of the pathogens by the immune cells) also requires the presence of copper.

What foodstuffs contain it?
Good dietary copper sources are liver, salads, cabbages and cauliflowers.

Who are exposed to copper deficiency and what does this deficiency state cause?
There is a hereditary form of copper deficiency, called the Menkes disease, but its alimentary form (of dietary origin) is significantly more frequent. In copper deficiency, iron is incapable of embedding into haemoglobin and anaemia emerge. In addition, the immune response weakens, the flexibility of vein walls decreases, the blood’s cholesterol level rises, which is one of the predisposing factors of arteriosclerosis. According to Hungarian estimates, copper deficiency occurs in 10% of both genders. Limit-value deficiency might affect a higher number of people.

What is the recommended intake for copper?
The daily requirement is 0.6-1.2 mg for children depending on age and 1.4 mg for adults.

What are the health risks of excessive copper intake?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea might occur, but only in the case of an intake many times higher than the daily requirements mentioned here.