Copper is a vital dietary nutrient as it is the third most abundant trace metal in the body.
Because it is present in every tissue of the body, it plays an important role in our energy-yielding metabolism, largely because it allows many critical enzymes to function properly.
Copper is essential for maintaining the strength of the skin and connective tissue throughout the body.
It also plays a role in the production of melanin.
Copper contributes to normal skin and hair pigmentation.
Free radicals occur naturally in the body and can damage your skin.
As an antioxidant, Copper scavenges or neutralize free radicals and may reduce or help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Copper maintains integrity of connective tissue.
Because copper is involved in many functions of the body, copper deficiency can produce an extensive range of symptoms.
Deficiencies of copper can result in osteoporosis and joint problems, abnormalities in glucose and cholesterol metabolism, loss of pigment, weakness, fatigue and skin sores.
Copper is also a component of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that participates in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two important structural proteins found in bone and connective tissue.
And as a part of the enzymes cytochrome c oxidase, copper plays a role in energy production, as part of dopamine ß-hydroxylase a role in conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine.
Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage).
Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and normal iron transport in the body.
