Copper is an essential trace element involved in antioxidant defense, immune response, nerve cell development, and iron metabolism. It also serves as a cofactor for numerous vital enzymes and proteins. The human body contains approximately 100 mg of copper, with the highest concentrations found in the brain and liver.

Copper is primarily absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, where higher pH levels help release it from dietary macromolecules. Once absorbed, copper is transported in the blood by albumin and transcuperin to the liver, where it binds to ceruloplasmin, a copper-carrying protein. Ceruloplasmin production is stimulated by adrenal hormones, so dysfunction in the liver or adrenal glands can disrupt copper balance, potentially leading to copper buildup in tissues. Under normal conditions, the body maintains copper homeostasis through biliary excretion, preventing toxicity.

Sources:

Legumes, mushrooms, chocolate, nuts and seeds, shellfish and liver are high in copper all greater than 2.4 µg per gram.

Food, water and air (via combustion and fossil fuels and agriculture) are sources of copper.

Copper pipes and fixtures in household plumbing may allow copper to leak into water.

Like most trace minerals, copper acts as an enzyme cofactor in several key metabolic processes in the body. Among its many functions, copper aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin and red blood cells, therefore enabling the efficient transport of oxygen throughout the body. In addition, copper works in balance with vitamin C and zinc to manufacture elastin (skin protein) as well as collagen and other structural proteins in cartilage and tendons. It is also involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring (production of melanin) and taste sensitivity. Copper stimulates the absorption of iron through the copper transport protein ceruloplasmin. Copper also aids in the metabolism of several fatty acids and helps prevent oxidative damage by serving as a cofactor to superoxide dismutase. In addition, copper is needed for proper insulation (mylination) of nerve cells and serves as a cofactor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

Sources:

Legumes, mushrooms, chocolate, nuts and seeds, shellfish and liver are high in copper all greater than 2.4 µg per gram.

Food, water and air (via combustion and fossil fuels and agriculture) are sources of copper.

Copper pipes and fixtures in household plumbing may allow copper to leak into water.

Copper serum is one of the diagnostic methods of ascertaining whether a patient is suffering from some kind of liver problem or from a genetic disease called Wilson’s disease.

Copper is an essential mineral in the body and directly or indirectly affects virtually every bodily system function. Copper is required for energy production, cardiovascular health, neurotransmitter activity, female reproductive system, skin health, blood formation and the immune system.

Copper is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron deficiency anemia. The liver makes a special protein, ceruloplasm, to transport copper and help convert iron to a form that can be used by other tissues.

The copper to zinc ratio refers to the relative proportion of copper to zinc in the body, and it is an important indicator of overall health. Both copper and zinc are essential trace minerals that play crucial roles in various physiological processes. An optimal balance between the two is vital for several functions, including immune system efficiency, antioxidant defense, and neurological function. Imbalances in this ratio, whether skewed towards an excess of copper or a deficiency of zinc, can be associated with a range of health concerns.

Investigation of Wilson disease and obstructive liver disease using a 24-hour urine specimen

Copper is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron deficiency anemia. The liver makes a special protein, ceruloplasm, to transport copper and help convert iron to a form that can be used by other tissues.

Copper is part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron deficiency anemia. The liver makes a special protein, ceruloplasm, to transport copper and help convert iron to a form that can be used by other tissues.

Copper serum is one of the diagnostic methods of ascertaining whether a patient is suffering from some kind of liver problem or from a genetic disease called Wilson’s disease.

The "Copper, Whole Blood" test by Labcorp measures the concentration of copper in whole blood, providing insight into the body's copper status. Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in various physiological processes, including energy production, iron metabolism, immune function, and the synthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters.