Copper

HEALTH: AN ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENT

Copper is an essential trace element, present in small amounts in the human metabolism (approx. 100 mg in adults). It is essential for the functioning of many enzymes, and is involved in the metabolism of many nutrients: carbohydrates, lipids and iron.

Copper is :

• involved in cellular respiration as a constituent of cytochrome C oxidase
• as a co-factor of superoxide dismutase, it has a predominant role in the fight against oxidative stress (free radicals)
• in the formation of elastin and collagen in tissues (skin, bone cartilages, vessels, etc.)
• in amidases function involved in the synthesis of neuropeptides in immune function in iron metabolism (oxidation of Fe2 + to Fe3 +), which is why copper deficiency can create anemia
• in bone mineralization
• in melanin synthesis   

Copper circulates in the blood bound to albumin and is absorbed in the intestine, then distributed to target sites: bones, muscles, brain and liver.

COPPER AND IMMUNITY

Recent research has shown a link between the reduced presence of interleukin-2 in copper deficiency, which induces a reduction in the proliferation of T lymphocytes, responsible for cellular immunity. The level of neutrophils (white blood cells of the immune response arising in the bone marrow) is also reduced, as well as their ability to generate superoxide anions and destroy ingested microorganisms, even in cases of minimal impairment (neutropenia).

BACTERICIDAL EFFECT

Copper has a well known antibacterial effect. It is used as an antiseptic in dermatological preparations, often with zinc.

Bactericidal function inside the human metabolism

Copper and zinc had a determining role in innate immune function. However, since 2015, studies show that these minerals also have a direct function on the survival of pathogens that have attacked the host. This is an extremely recent line of research, and the mechanisms are not yet clearly identified for copper. Nevertheless, the hypothesis adopted is that the phagocytes would directly capture the available free copper and use it as its own antibacterial agent which would be toxic for the survival of the pathogen in the host organism.

SUPPLEMENTATION IN COPPER

The effectiveness of a copper-based dietary supplement depends largely on the chemical form in which the copper is present. Indeed, the copper salt must be soluble and coupled to an organic vector that the human metabolism will be able to recognize and assimilate. For example, an inorganic salt such as copper sulphate will contain a high proportion of zinc, but since these forms are not or poorly soluble and these vectors are not biomimetic, the mineral salt will not be assimilated but excreted by the body in a potentially violent manner ( diarrhea, vomiting). On the other hand, organic forms such as copper gluconate will be perfectly bioavailable.

COPPER IN COSMETICS

When applied topically, copper is involved in:

• the defense against free radicals as a cofactor of superoxide dismutase, the enzyme combating oxidative stress, and therefore acts against aging of the skin
• melanin synthesis and therefore tanning, UV protection
• wound-healing of the skin