Copper deficiency: the most effective dietary supplements

Copper is an essential trace element for the body, present in small amounts but playing a crucial role in health. It is mainly found in offal, seafood, nuts, seeds, and cereal products. Recommended daily intakes of copper vary by age and sex, but generally range around 1.5 to 2 mg per day for an adult. This intake is essential to maintain the biological functions in which copper is involved.

Essential Role of Copper

Copper is indispensable to many vital biological processes. It is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a key protein for transporting oxygen in the blood. Thus, copper helps prevent hypochromic anemia, a condition characterized by severe fatigue, general weakness, and a reduced ability to fight infections. Furthermore, copper acts as an enzymatic cofactor in various essential reactions. For example, it is crucial for the proper functioning of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protects the body against free radicals. SOD neutralizes superoxides, unstable molecules responsible for cellular damage and premature aging. Without copper, this enzyme could not carry out its protective action against oxidative stress. Copper also plays an important role in the synthesis of melanin, the pigment responsible for the coloring of the skin, hair, and eyes. This function is mediated by the enzyme tyrosinase, whose activity depends directly on copper. Tyrosinase converts tyrosine into melanin, thereby protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and delaying the onset of white hair. Finally, copper is essential for the formation of collagen, a key component of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues, thus contributing to their structure and repair.

Consequences of a Copper Deficiency

A copper deficiency, although rare, can have serious health consequences. It can result from inadequate intake, intestinal malabsorption, or an interaction with other minerals, such as zinc. Symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, fatigue, bone fragility, and reduced immunity. In children, it can lead to growth delays and neurological abnormalities.

Recommendations

To prevent or treat a copper deficiency, it is recommended to consume copper-rich foods or to use dietary supplements. In oligotherapy, copper is often combined with other trace elements to maximize its effectiveness. For example, the copper-sulfur-silicon combination is recommended for osteoarthritis, while copper-selenium-gold is used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. It is also important to maintain a balance between copper and zinc, as an excess of zinc can inhibit copper absorption.