Product description: Copper (Cu+) is an essential trace element (i.e. micronutrient) and cofactor. 95% of copper in plasma is in complex with enzymes, mostly with ceruloplasmin, several oxidases and dismutases, which play important roles in iron and catecholamine metabolism, free radical scavenging, and in the synthesis of haemoglobin and elastin. The micronutrient is necessary for the proper growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs. Copper is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization of iron, the metabolism of cholesterol and glucose, and the synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes. These enzymes in turn produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting, and oxygen transport. Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, to repair injured tissues, and to promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize "free-radicals", which can cause severe damage to cells. Copper deficiency lowers the anti-oxidant function in vivo and has been associated with mental retardation, depigmentation, anemia, hypotonia and scorbutic changes in bone. Levels of copper are key diagnostic indicator of diseases such as cardiopathy, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Menkes syndrome and Wilson's disease. Acute copper toxicity can cause gastroenteritis and acute renal failure.
Specificity: Specific to Cu2+ and Cu+.