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Physiological Significance

Copper (CU) is an essential trace mineral, naturally available in some foods and as dietary supplements. CU is a cofactor for several enzymes, known as cuproenzymes, which are involved in connective tissue synthesis, energy production, iron metabolism, neuropeptide activation and neurotransmitter synthesis. CU is also involved in brain development, immune system functioning, neurohormone homeostasis, pigmentation, regulation of gene expression, and several physiological processes, such as angiogenesis ¹.

Antioxidant / Pro-Oxidant

CU has been recognised as both an antioxidant and pro-oxidant. Naturally occurring within the body, free radicals interact with genetic material, damage cell walls and contribute to the development of several health problems. As an antioxidant, CU scavenges to neutralise the free radicals, aiding in the prevention of oxidative damage. Conversely, as a pro-oxidant, CU can promote free radical damage, inducing the development of health problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Consequently, CU is vital as part of a balanced diet².

Deficiency

CU deficiency in Western countries is rare, however, altered CU metabolism may influence CU deficiency which negatively impacts the connective tissue, nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems. Such conditions that can predispose CU deficiency include: prematurity, gastric bypass, burns, over-the-counter vitamins containing zinc and iron and infants fed with unmodified cow milk ³.

Menkes disease is a rare x-linked recessive disorder of CU metabolism caused by mutations to the ATP7A gene. Menkes disease affects an estimated 1 in every 100,000 - 250,000 births and is characterised by sparse, kinky hair and failure to thrive and progressive deterioration of the nervous system. Symptoms commonly present during infancy, but, in some cases, the symptoms may present in early to middle childhood. If treatment is started early, the prognosis may improve ⁴.

Toxicity

Copper toxicity is also rare but can be caused by consuming too many dietary supplements high in copper, drinking contaminated water and from fungicides containing CU sulphates ³.

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations to the ATP7B gene, which is highly expressed in the liver, kidneys and placenta. Wilson's disease affects approximately 1 in every 40,000 and is characterised by hepatic, neuropsychiatric and ophthalmic symptoms as a result of excess copper accumulation. Unlike most genetic diseases, early detection and implementation of a treatment plan for those with Wilson's disease can prevent longer term morbidity due to copper induced end organ dysfunction ³.

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