[Answering M.F.’s questions: What is the importance of taking
copper? Should everyone be taking 2mg of this supplement daily, separate from a
multivitamin? Or does this apply only to a specific group of individuals? Also,
is there an advantage to taking either the citrate or glycinate form in terms
of absorption?]
What is
the importance of taking copper? Copper is an integral part of numerous enzyme
systems, including amine oxidases, ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin), cytochrome-c oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and dopamine hydroxylase.
Copper is also a component of ferroprotein, a transport protein involved in the
basolateral transfer of iron during absorption from the intestine. As such,
copper plays a role in iron metabolism (important for blood formation), melanin
synthesis (important for skin color), energy production, neurotransmitter
synthesis, and nervous system function; the synthesis and cross-linking of
elastin and collagen; and the scavenging of superoxide radicals.[1]
From my viewpoint, the most important aspects
are for the insurance of presence of sufficient quantities of copper for the cross
linking of elastin and collagen and the dopamine hydroxylase.
The cross linking of elastin and collagen is of
immediate importance in the health of bones, joints, tendons, skin and hair
among other things. Of paramount importance though is the dopamine hydroxylase.
This is because this enzyme is necessary for the hydroxylation of dopamine to
noradrenalin which is the precursor to adrenalin.[2] I consider adrenalin to
be of supreme importance for health when generated physiologically naturally. Of
note here is that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a cofactor for the hydroxylation
of dopamine to noradrenalin.
Don't take more than the recommended 2-3 mg
daily, as at higher levels toxicity may ensue. (More isn't better). 10 mg
intake can be dangerous.[1] See table:
 |
Deficiencies and Toxicities of Metals - from
Harrison's Online via AccessMedicine
|
It has been seen that copper did have a positive
impact on HDL (the cardioprotective cholesterol) and did lower oxidized LDL
values. This last is the type that tends to form the clogging cholesterol within
the walls of blood vessels (specifically arteries). The study showing this was somewhat
short for my taste and wasn’t consistent in its results but the logical tie-in
to the heart protective factors is solid.[3] This study used the glycinate
form of copper.
Another study shows that patients suffering from
diabetes mellitus have lower levels of copper in their serum compared to
control patients.[4] Again the tie-in here is logical.
Should everyone be taking 2mg of this supplement daily, separate from
a multivitamin? Individuals
whose nutrition is deficient or low in copper intake should take a separate
supplement. Dietary sources of copper include shellfish, liver, nuts,
legumes, bran, and organ meats. For myself I prefer not to take a chance on not
getting enough of this essential mineral and hence take it anyway separate from
the copper from other sources. By taking it separately as a 2 mg pill/capsule in addition to a usual 2 mg in the multivitamin tablet then we cap at 4 mg per day plus nutritional
sources. We stay well below the 10 mg/day toxic level.
Is there an advantage to taking either the citrate or glycinate form
in terms of absorption? It would appear that, at least in animals the glycinate
form will provide superior bioavailability of the nutrient, compared to the citrate.
That being said I personally take the citrate form as I also take a multivitamin
tablet three times weekly, in addition to regular food intake.[5]
References:
[1] SP Russell RM (2012) Chapter 74. Vitamin
and Trace Mineral Deficiency and Excess. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL,
Hauser SL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J, eds. (ed), Harrison's Principles of Internal
Medicine. 18th ed. edn., McGraw-Hill, New York, pp http://0-www.accessmedicine.com.library.ccf.org/content.aspx?aID=9099706.
[2] Molina PE. Chapter 6.
Adrenal Gland. In: Molina PE, ed. Endocrine Physiology. 3rd ed. New York:
McGraw-Hill; 2010.
http://0-www.accessmedicine.com.library.ccf.org/content.aspx?aID=6169718.
Accessed April 29, 2012.
[3] RA Disilvestro, EL
Joseph, W Zhang, AE Raimo, YM Kim (2012) A randomized trial of copper
supplementation effects on blood copper enzyme activities and parameters
related to cardiovascular health Metabolism Doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2012.02.002.
[4] M Basaki, M Saeb, S
Nazifi, HA Shamsaei (2012) Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Chromium Concentrations in
Young Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Biol Trace Elem Res
Doi:10.1007/s12011-012-9360-6.
[5] Ammerman CB, Baker DH. Bioavailability
of Nutrients for Animals: Amino Acids, Minerals, Vitamins. Chapter 7. Copper Bioavailability.
Pp. 127-156. Link.
