COPPER

Converts Iron into Haemoglobin

The first conclusive evidence to show that copper was an essential element for the formation of haemoglobin emerged from studies in 1928.

In the human body, copper is a constituent of several enzymes and is found in combination with several proteins in the blood. 

Cerulopasmin, a copper-containing plasma enzyme, catalyses the oxidation of the ferrous iron and ferric iron, and thereby enables iron to be trapped by transferring (a protein transporting iron in the blood). It is then transported to tissues for the synthesis of iron-containing compounds, especially haemoglobin.

Functions in the Body

Copper helps the conversion of iron into haemoglobin. It stimulates the growth of red blood cells. It is also an integral part of certain digestive enzymes. It makes the amino acid – tyrosine – usable, enabling it to work as the pigmenting factor for the hair and skin.

Sources

Molluses and shellfish are rich sources of copper, as are betel leaves, areca nuts and other nuts. Soft water contains more copper than hard water and water from the tap contains more copper than reservoir water. 

Deficiency Symptoms

Copper deficiency may result in weakness of the body, digestive disturbances, and impaired respiration. Anaemia due to copper deficiency has not been reported in adults.

Healing and therapeutic Properties

Menke’s Syndrome. This is a rare, genetically determined failure of copper absorption. This condition leads to progressive mental retardation, failure to keratinise hair that become kinky, hypothermia, low concentration of copper in the plasma and liver, and degenerative changes in the body.

Arthritis. Copper is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, as this mineral helps to strengthen the muscular system. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container is said to relieve this disease, as this water has traces of copper. For the same reason, wearing a copper ring or bracelet may also help.

Precautions :

Taking copper in excess is poisonous and food cooked in copper vessels with poor tin-plating can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea with abdominal pain. Drinking acid drinks in copper vessels can also produce the same symptoms.