Advanced Colloidal Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral. It is
essential in the formation of hemoglobin, red blood cells, and bone
and works in balance with zinc
and vitamin C to form elastin, an important skin protein. It is
involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin
coloring, and taste sensitivity. This mineral is also necessary
in the development of healthy nerves and joints.
Even a mild copper deficiency impairs
the ability of white blood cells to fight infection. Copper is necessary
for proper absorption of iron in the body, and it is found primarily
in foods containing iron. If the body does not get a sufficient
amount of copper, hemoglobin production decreases and copper-deficiency
anemia can result.
One of the first signs of copper
deficiency is osteoporosis. Copper is essential in the formation
of collagen, one of the fundamental proteins making up bones, skin
and connective tissue. Other possible signs of copper deficiency
include anemia, baldness, diarrhea, general weakness, impaired respiratory
function, and skin sores. A lack of copper can also lead to increased
blood fat levels.
Various enzyme reactions require
copper as well. Copper is needed as a cross-linking agent for elastin
and collagen, as a catalyst for protein reactions, and for oxygen
transport. It is also used for the metabolism of essential fatty
acids. Copper deficiency can produce various symptoms, including
diarrhea, inefficient utilization of iron and protein, and stunted
growth. In babies, the development of structure of these body parts
may be altered.
Since copper is not manufactured
by the body, it must be taken in through the diet or supplementation.
For the body to work properly, it must have a proper balance of
copper and zinc;
and imbalance can lead to thyroid problems. In addition, low (or
high) copper levels may contribute to mental and emotional problems.
Copper deficiency may be a factor in anorexia nervosa, for example.
A Recommended Daily Allowance for
copper has not been determined, but the National Research Council
recommends that adults get from 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day, 1.5 to 2.5
milligrams for children, and 0.4 to 0.6 milligrams for infants less
than six months old. Even a normal ‘healthy’ diet will
not usually provide the correct amount of copper for most people
because of the mineral deficiency of most food producing soils.
Copper deficiency is especially
likely to occur in babies who are fed only cow’s milk, persons
suffering from sprue or kidney disease, and those who chronically
take megadoses of zinc. Long–term use of oral contraceptives
can also upset the balance of copper in the body, causing either
excessively high or excessively low copper levels.
Note: Although copper intake is
required for health and deficiency is more likely than not, an excessive
intake of copper can lead to toxicity and may have symptoms of depression,
irritability, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, and joint and muscle
pain. Ingesting 10 milligrams or more at a time may cause nausea
and sixty milligrams generally results in vomiting. Children can
be affected at much smaller dosage levels.
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