Copper Forms: Copper Aspartate, Copper Citrate and Copper Picolinate

Copper Facts
Copper (mineral) is a trace element and humans require very small amounts of it. Copper is the third most abundant trace mineral in the body, but it is often deficient in a person's diet because food sources high in this mineral are not always eaten frequently. However, copper deficiency is rare and is most frequently seen in cases of severe anorexia, starvation, or rare kidney problems. The human body contains approximately 100-500 mg of copper but it's role is important, as it serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in hemoglobin and collagen formation and is involved in incorporating iron into the structure of hemoglobin..

How Copper Works
Copper works together with iron to make red blood cells and it is the major component of the outer coating of nerve fibers and collagen. Copper is involved in maintenance of immunity and feertility, formation of melanin, and the promotion of consistent pigmentation. It is believed to play a role in preventing high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, oxidation of the cells and keeping cholesterol low. Copper is used by the body to manufacture numerous enzymes, many of which work as antioxidants.

Possible Benefits

• May help fight bone loss
• Aids in maintaining fertility
• Strengthens blood vessels, bones, tendons, and nerves
• Helps make red blood cells
• Helps body used its stored iron
• Aids in formation of collagen
• Promotes blood clotting
• Promotes healthy skin and hair pigmentation
• May protect from damage by free radicals

Usage Guidelines
The RDA for copper is 2 mg and common recommendations on dosages include 2-5 mg a day. If you take zinc, which competes with copper absorption, you may need a couple of mg more than the RDA. Dosages of 10 mgs or more a day can be toxic and may cause nausea or muscle pain, and in severe cases may result in liver damage, coma, or death. A copper deficiency (which is rare) is characterized by anemia, reduced growth, increased blood cholesterol levels, fatigue, heart arrhythmia, brittle or discolored hair, high blood pressure, skeletel defects, and infertility.

Some Natural Sources
Liver, oysters, pinto beans, lamb chops, mixed nuts, cherries, cocoa, legumes, whole grains, seeds, peas, artichokes, avocados, radishes, garlic, mushrooms, potato, tomato, banana, prune, and soy products