Copper

Main Characteristics

• It is an essential trace element that acts as a cofactor for many enzymes with oxidation and reduction activity: diamine oxidase DAO, monoamine oxidase MAO, superoxide dismutase SOD, cytochrome c-oxidase, lysyl oxidase (LOX), ceruloplasmin, among others.

• Copper is a transition metal that is essential for the maintenance of several biological processes, some of which are important for physical activity, such as: energy metabolism, iron homeostasis and antioxidant protection mechanisms.

• It participates in oxidative reactions that promote the release of free radicals, which can harm cellular integrity and function. Physical activity and diet are factors that affect copper homeostasis, which can interfere with its antioxidant capacity.

• It is also essential for the mobilization of iron for the synthesis of hemoglobin.

• Copper is a component of several enzymes, such as those mentioned above, and participates in several important processes for the body, such as: electron transport during aerobic respiration, formation of collagen and elastin, absorption and transport of iron necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin.

• It modulates the biosynthesis and metabolism of LDL-C and perhaps HDL-C and acts as a promoter in the oxidative modification of LDL-C in the arterial wall, directing leukocytes and the formation of foam cells.

 

Main Functions and Mechanisms of Action

• Melanin production: Melanin production depends on a copper-dependent enzyme, tyrosinase.

• Prevention of premature aging and sagging: The enzyme lysyl-oxidase, which contains copper, acts by allowing cross-linking between collagen fibers, where this linkage confers structural rigidity and elasticity.

• Control of allergic conditions: The action of diamine oxidase (DAO), a copper-dependent enzyme, is related to the inactivation of histamine.

• Stress Control: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a copper-dependent enzyme and is responsible for the neutralization of catecholamines (epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine). Chronic stress conditions generate activation of these catecholamines and copper.

• Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia: The copper-dependent enzyme ceruloplasmin is responsible for catalyzing the oxidation of ferrous iron and its role is to transfer iron from storage to sites where hemoglobin synthesis occurs.

• Antioxidant Action: Copper is one of the minerals responsible for the synthesis of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protects the body against oxidative stress.

• Effect on Blood Pressure: The enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) is copper-dependent and patients with hypertension have reduced activity of this enzyme, which in turn participates in processes that reduce arterial damage and TBARS).

• Effect on the Immune System: The enzyme ceruloplasmin, which is copper-dependent, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Copper deficiency leads to decreased function of lymphocytes, neutrophils, Natural Killer cells, production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and activation of NF Kappa B.

• Effect on the prevention of Osteoporosis: It plays a role in bone formation, skeletal mineralization and the synthesis of constituents of the bone matrix.

 

Bioavailability

• During intense physical activity, there is greater use of oxygen, favoring the release of free radicals, with irreversible damage to the body, when the natural protection mechanisms, including those dependent on copper, are not adequately stimulated. A copper-deficient and/or unbalanced diet, such as the use of uncontrolled nutritional supplementation of ascorbic acid and zinc, common among athletes, interferes with the absorption and use of copper, impairing its action as an antioxidant.

• In chemical processes, the introduction of acetate, chloride, sulfate, and carbonate decreases copper bioavailability.

• The balance of copper concentration in the body, also called homeostasis, depends on complex mechanisms of absorption, transport, capture, distribution, and cellular detoxification, and some of these require other nutrients.

• Some nutrients, such as ascorbic acid, iron, and zinc, when ingested in excess, can generate adverse effects on copper homeostasis, and thus impair the maintenance of its antioxidant function.

• Liver cells have a mechanism for controlling the adequacy of the amount of intracellular copper. And copper absorption is probably controlled by the total amount ingested.

• The transport system is active and saturable when there is a low concentration of intraluminal copper, due to decreased intake. The passive diffusion mechanism is the main means of absorption when there is a high intake of dietary copper.

• The absorption efficiency of copper is generally 20 to 50%, and is controlled by the body's need for copper and regulated by metallothionein in intestinal cells.

 

Possible interactions

• Drugs such as Zidovudine (AZT) and B-penicillin cause copper depletion and decrease in its bioavailability.

Interaction between nutrients

• Zinc: When in excess, it impairs copper absorption.

• Iron: It can reduce copper absorption.

• Vitamin C: When in excess, it causes copper depletion

 

Scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of supplementation

• In a study with chronically malnourished children, a multivitamin supplement (B complex, vitamins A and C) was administered: 1.5 times greater than the recommendation; plus a zinc supplement: 2mg/kg/day; a copper supplement: 0.2mg/kg/day; and a folic acid supplement: 5mg in the initial dose. In this same study, a multivitamin (vitamins A, C and B complex) was administered to mild/moderately malnourished children; and zinc supplementation. It was observed that malnourished children had a significant improvement in their Weight/Height score during hospitalization. The children monitored in this study had their nutritional status maintained or significantly improved, highlighting the need for nutritional monitoring during hospitalization.

Risks of overdose

• There are not many reports of Cu poisoning, but classic symptoms of poisoning are: gastrointestinal changes, metallic sensation in the mouth, headache, weakness and dizziness.

• Severe poisoning can cause hypertension and liver and kidney damage, but this only occurs if beverages with high copper content are consumed for a long period of time.

• Like iron, copper is an essential metal for living beings, but it is also potentially toxic to cells due to its ease of undergoing changes in oxidation state in the form of a free ion. Therefore, for copper proteins to perform their essential functions satisfactorily, such as antioxidants, the copper ion needs to be present in adequate intra and extracellular concentrations. Both a deficiency and an excess of this mineral can harm cellular integrity.