Copper

Type: Trace Element
Periodic Element: (Cu)
RDA: 2-3 mg -0.05-0.2 mg.
Importance- To Body:
Necessary for hemoglobin formation, maintenance of certain copper-containing enzymes, proper intestinal absorption of iron. Essential for manufacture of melanin, myelin, some intermediates of electron transport chain.
Distribution- In Body:
* Approx. % of Body Mass
Concentrated in liver, heart, brain, spleen; excreted in feces.
Excess Effects:
Wilson’s disease (rare abnormal storage metabolic condition).
Deficiency Effects:
Anemia, Bone Disease (rare), Lack of White Blood Cells (Rare)
Sources Food:
Liver, meats, shellfish, oysters, legumes, margarine, eggs, whole grains, wheat products. Typical diet provides 2-5 mg daily.
Sources Environmental/Geographic:
None listed
Supplement Info: