Copper Deficiency and Liquid Vitamins

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In the body, copper shifts between the cuprous (Cul+) and the cupric (Cu2+) forms, although the majority of the body's copper is in the Cu2+ form.

The ability of this nutrient to easily accept and donate electrons explains its important role in the oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions and in the scavenging of free radicals.

Hippocrates is said to have prescribed this nutrient and similar compounds to treat diseases as early as 400 B.C. and scientists are still uncovering new information regarding the functions of it in the human body.

This nutrient is critical as a functional component of a number of essential enzymes known as cupro-enzymes. The copper dependent enzymes, cytochrome c oxidase, play a critical role in cellular energy production.

By catalyzing the reduction of molecular oxygen (o2) to water (H2O), cytochrome c oxidase generates an electric gradient used by the mitochondria to create energy-storing and vital molecules.

Because of liquid vitamins and mineral supplements ability to absorb so effectively in the body's system, it is a strong asset with this nutrient. It also helps in the process of cross linking collagen and elastin, which is essential for the formation of strong and flexible connective tissue.

This nutrient also plays a role as an anti-oxidant. Super-oxide dismutase (SOD) functions as an antioxidant by catalyzing the conversion of super-oxide radicals (free radicals) to hydrogen peroxide, which can subsequently be reduced to water by other antioxidant enzymes.

An adequate copper nutritional status appears to be necessary for normal iron metabolism and red blood cell formation.

"Anemia" is a clinical sign of deficiency of this nutrient, and iron has been found to accumulate in the livers of copper deficient animals, indicating that it is required for iron transport to the bone marrow for red blood cell formation.

Clinically evident or "frank copper deficiency" is relatively uncommon. Serum levels of this nutrient and ceruloplasmin levels may fall to 30% of normal in cases of severe deficiency.

One of the most common clinical signs of deficiency is an anemia that is unresponsive to iron therapy but corrected by copper supplements. Cow's milk is relatively low in in this nutrient, and cases of deficiency have been reported in high-risk infants and children fed only cow's milk formula.

High risk individuals include premature infants (especially low-birth weight), infants with prolonged diarrhea, infants and recovering children from malnutrition, and individuals with mala-absorption syndromes, including celiac disease, sprue, and short bowel syndrome due to surgical removal of a large portion of the intestine.

This nutrient is found in a wide variety of foods wide variety of foods but is most plentiful in organ meats, shellfish, nuts, and seeds. Wheat brand cereals and whole grain products are also good sources.

The best foods for copper are: Liver, (beef, cooked), oysters, clams, and crab meat (all cooked), cashews, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, peanut butter (chunky), lentils (cooked), mushrooms (raw), shredded wheat cereal, chocolate (semi-sweet), and hot cocoa mix.

Copper supplements are available as cupric acid, gluconate, copper sulfate, and copper amino acid. There are several very good brands of liquid vitamin and mineral supplements available in today's markets including the following brands:

Mother Nature Liquid Vitamins & Copper Deficiency