Copper and the Baby Boomers
Copper, do we wear it or eat it? Yes! We have all seen the bracelets worn by some but for aging baby boomers the best answer is that it should be used as a nutrient. Its primary source should be through dietary intake but the taking of supplements may be necessary as well.
It is a trace mineral needed by the body for a whole host of functions. It helps in the body's protection of it's cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems. It aids in the function of the enzymes that have roles in cellular energy,
formation of collagen and elastin, hemoglobin and red blood cell formation. There are other enzymes that are affected by the mineral that play a part in the central nervous system, melanin formation and the production of phospholipids, which help form the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves.
The body also has to have copper as a mutual benefit to produce the powerful antioxidant, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). In this partnership between other minerals and vitamins, SOD has been used to treat arthritis and other joint disorders, inflammatory diseases, corneal ulcers, burn injuries, inflammatory bowel disease, prostate problems, and long-term damage from exposure to cigarette smoke and radon radiation, and to prevent side effects of cancer drugs.
In its fight against cardiovascular disease, copper helps to lower cholesterol levels and increase production of cardiac blood vessels. It accomplishes the latter by improving the function of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a
molecule that stimulates new blood vessel formation. It also discourages the development of atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms by keeping collagen and elastin fibers healthy. Last but not least, a deficiency of the mineral has been linked to
heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias which usually become more common as people get older, i.e., aging baby boomers.
As already stated, copper is key in helping to produce one of the types of Superoxide Dismutase. It is formed in the body as a super antioxidant known as a metalloenzyme, in this case, having the formula CuZnSOD, Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase. It has anti-inflammatory properties that works with the closely related antioxidant, ceruloplasmin, that helps relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases some of which are bursitis, tendinitis and gout.
These are also known as musculoskeletal diseases. As a matter of fact, about fifty percent of the copper stored in the body is in the bones and muscles. By helping to create a copper enzyme, lysyl oxidase, the mineral also helps the body to produce the needed collagen for the bones and connective tissues affected by the inflammation caused by these diseases. The mineral may help accomplish this task with vitamin C. However, a careful balance between the two must be maintained in that the vitamin acts as a pro-oxidant against the mineral.
The nervous system is also closely related to the musculoskeletal network in that it is our control system. One article quoting a study in the American Journal of Pathology (American Journal of Pathology, Vol 148, 273-279, Copyright © 1996 by American Society for Investigative Pathology) stated that copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, 'one of the key antioxidant enzymes in the human central nervous system', shows 'that the enzyme is present at high levels of
constitutive expression in alpha-motor neurons, oculomotor neurons, nucleus basalis, substantia nigra, neocortex, and the hippocampal sector resistant to hypoxia (H2). Therefore diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's may be positively affected by your intake of copper.
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It is also known to stimulate production of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are responsible for our attention/response actions and our 'fight-or-flight' responses. So, indirectly, the mineral may be
somewhat responsible for our moods, depressions, energy, fatigue and so on through the nervous system relationship.
Other areas of involvement of copper is the development and maintenance of skin and hair. It works with the body to produce the skin pigment melanin that helps give color and vitality to the skin, hair and eyes. It also helps in the storage, use, and release of the iron needed to produce hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The red blood cells are responsible, at least in part, in keeping the body oxygenated which in turn allows the body to function as it should. Iron also plays a counter role in that it helps put the copper to work in the body as well.
Seafood, organ meats, molasses, nuts, seeds, green vegetables and peanut butter are some good sources of the mineral. The recommended dietary allowance for adults is 1.5 mg to 3 mg per day. There is a caution of over consumption. More than 10 mg a day may cause such symptoms as nausea and vomiting, muscle pain and stomach aches. There is a disease known as Wilson's disease that can cause the body to take in and keep too much copper. The mineral deposits in the liver, brain, kidneys, and the eyes.
On the opposite side, excess calcium and zinc will interfere with copper absorption. There are also digestive diseases such as Crohn's Disease and celiac disease that will interfere with the absorption of the mineral. While deficiency is rare, it does occur and the symptoms may include brittle, discolored hair, skeletal defects, anemia, high blood pressure and heart arrythmias.
Specific to the Baby Boomers
Cardiovascular disease prevention. Copper helps lower cholesterol levels, increase production of cardiac blood vessels, prevent heart arrhythmias and helps keep the blood vessels pliable.
Skeletal disease prevention. It helps create strong anti-inflammatory properties that fight against such joint diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases in addition to actual bone formation.
Nervous system disease intervention. It may have positive effects on such diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It helps in the production of neurotransmitters.
Enzyme production that affects cellular energy, production of collagen and elastin for connective and skin tissue formation, hair and skin coloring, hemoglobin and red blood cell formation and the nervous system.
Antioxidant actions by helping to create the super antioxidant SOD and ceruloplasmin which may affect nearly every function of the body.
Partnerships with other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and the minerals zinc and iron to help aid in certain functions of the body.
Overall healing process.
Cautions. Please note that there are circumstances of over consumption and under absorption.
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