Copper (Cu)

A copper deficiency is rare but can result in anaemia related to defective iron metabolism, deterioration of heart muscle, vascular problems such as inelastic blood vessels, various skeletal defects, nerve degeneration, abnormalities of the skin and hair as well has infertility ^1,4. Less than 50% of dietary copper is absorbed into the body and both high doses of zinc and iron have been suggested to inhibit the absorption of copper further, as they compete for amino acids carriers which actively transport the mineral nutrients through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream².

The richest source of copper is liver and other organ meats, but it can also be found in seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes, prunes and barley¹.

Copper levels within the body are regulated through its excretion in bile, however toxic levels can accumulate and cause severe liver disease and mental deterioration ¹. Toxicity is most likely to can be caused by a metabolic disorder, although excessive dietary intake through the use consumption of liquids stored copper vessels or cooking with unlined copper pots may also be linked ^1,3.

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