About this ingredient
Copper is an essential trace mineral required for numerous biological processes. The body uses copper as a component of several enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, connective-tissue formation, neurotransmitter synthesis and antioxidant defense.
Copper is particularly important for the normal function of enzymes such as ceruloplasmin, lysyl oxidase, cytochrome c oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Through these enzyme systems, copper contributes to normal blood formation, connective-tissue maintenance, cellular energy metabolism and protection against oxidative stress.
Copper is naturally present in foods including shellfish, organ meats, nuts, seeds, whole grains, cocoa and legumes. It is also available in multivitamins and mineral supplements.
Because both insufficient and excessive copper intake can be problematic, copper supplementation should generally be based on nutritional requirements rather than assuming that more is better.