| Copper | |||||
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Copper is a mineral that is integral to iron metabolism, so is essential for creating haemoglobin and red blood cells. Copper is also a vital part of many enzymes.
Copper plays an important part the formation of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.
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- Copper is required for the production of melanin
- Copper is the pigment which gives hair, skin and eyes their particular colour
- Copper is a powerful antioxidant, scavenging for free radicals
- High intakes of iron, vitamin C and zinc can interfere with the way the body utilises copper
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Copper is important in the proper functioning of capillaries and the bone matrix. It also helps to form healthy scars and ensures scar tissue is minimal.
Copper functions in the catalysis of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
Approximately one third of all copper is stored in the skeletal muscle tissues, another third is stored in the liver and brain and the last third is found in bone and other tissues.
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Dieticians Association of Australia
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
