T. J. Clark Liquid Copper:
Copper (Cu) is a trace element that is essential for most animals, including
humans. The influence of copper upon human health is due to the fact it is
part of enzymes, which are proteins that help biochemical reactions occur in
every cell. Copper is involved in the absorption, storage and metabolism of
iron. The symptoms of a copper deficiency are similar to iron deficiency
anemia. Copper may be absorbed by both the stomach and small intestinal
mucosa, with most absorbed by the small intestine. Copper is found in the
blood bound to proteins.
Copper is utilized by most cells as a component of enzymes involved in energy production
(cytochrome oxidase) and in the protection of cells from free radical damage
(superoxide dismutase). Copper is also involved with an enzyme that strengthens connective tissue (lysyl oxidase) and in brain
neurotransmitters (dopamine hydroxylase and peptidyl alpha amidating
monoxygenase). One of the proteins, ceruloplasmin, transports copper as well as helps convert iron to a form that can be transported to other tissues.
The average level of copper stored in the body is from 50 to 120 mg, with
most of this in the liver. Excess dietary copper can also lead to high copper
levels in the kidney. However, under normal situations, not much copper is
excreted via the urine. Most copper is excreted via bile that is released into
the gastrointestinal tract, with minimal copper reabsorbed by intestinal cells.
The uptake of copper and elimination through the bile allows copper to be conserved and tightly regulated.
Deficiencies: Animals that are fed diets deficient in copper often exhibit
anemia, cardiac abnormalities such as blood vessel and heart rupture, abnormal EKG's and have elevated levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides
and glucose. A lifetime of marginal diet copper in humans is thought to lead
to heart disease. Copper deficiency has been observed in premature infants
and infants suffering from malnutrition. Overt symptoms in adults are rare,
but may occur with long term shortage or, possibly, in those who consume
zinc supplements for a period of time.
Diet recommendations: The estimated safe and adequate intake for copper is 1.5 - 3.0 mg/day. Many survey studies show that Americans consume
about 1.0 mg or less of copper per day. Copper is found in foods such as
nuts [0.2 to 0.5 mg/28 g (1 Tbsp.)], shellfish (1.0 to 3.7 mg/serving), organ
meats (3.8 mg/serving of beef liver) and legumes (0.2 mg/serving). Grains,
grain products and chocolate have appreciable levels of copper. While these
food items are good to excellent sources of copper, the absolute amount of
copper absorbed may be influenced by other dietary components.
Copper absorption may be decreased by excess dietary iron or zinc. Conversely, too much copper may cause an iron deficiency. Vitamin C
supplementation results in decreased copper status. In rats, large doses of
vitamin C can lead to copper deficiency. Other dietary components have an
influence upon copper status, but not necessarily absorption. Feeding rats
either sucrose or fructose, as opposed to glucose or cornstarch, decreases
copper status and exacerbates the signs of copper deficiency.
Toxicity: Cases of copper toxicity are rare but may occur. Excess copper consumption may lead to liver damage. Intake of supplements exceeding 3
mg copper/day for a protracted period of time may be cause for concern. Doses of 10 mg/day over several weeks may lead to toxic symptoms, such
as weakness and nausea.
Genetic Conditions relating to copper: There are two well known genetic diseases affecting copper metabolism. Menkes' kinky-hair disease is a
problem with copper transport or absorption. Wilson's disease is characterized by increased liver copper content, leading to severe hepatic
damage, followed by increased brain copper levels and neurological problems.
Menkes' disease results in pathology resembling copper-deficiency, as opposed to the pathology of Wilson's disease, which
resembles copper-toxicity. The Menkes' gene codes for a P-type ATPase that has a mutation that prevents copper absorption in the intestine.
Helps oxidize glucose and release energy.
Helps the body absorb iron.
Aids the thyroid gland in balancing and secreting hormones.
Carries oxygen in the blood stream.
Supplies the body's tissues with oxygen
Increases the body's energy levels.
Aids in nerve and brain function
Needed for the functioning of the amino acid, tyrosine.
Essential for making red blood cells.
Helps the body absorb iron.
Helps tyrosine work as a pigment factor
Helps supply oxygen to the brain.
Necessary for the synthesis of the hormone adrenaline.
Associated with intestinal enzyme activity.
Acts as a brain stimulant
Copper antagonizes manganese ions.
Copper level in the body parallels estrogen levels.
Copper is a natural yeast fighter
Copper improves epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
helps oxidize Vitamin C and works with Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief
component of the Elastin muscle fibers throughout the body; aids in the
formation of red blood cells
Physical Symptoms of Low Copper:
Not enough oxygen in the cells
Lowered levels of HDL cholesterol
Low copper causes the cells to suffocate and lack oxygen
Low copper levels linked to low enkephalins produced in the brain.
Psychological Symptoms of Low Copper:
Binge eaters have been found to have lower levels.
Causes of Low Copper:
Refining white flour
Alkaline medium inhibits copper.
Copper deficiency occurs as a result of the administration of total parenteral
nutrition ( Nutritional intravenous feeding).
Excess accumulates in liver, kidneys and brain.
Phytates hinder absorption
High levels of zinc, iron, calcium and manganese interfere with copper
THE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAUSES LOW COPPER:
Conditions are rare, but common in infants who are premature.
Menkes' syndrome is a hereditary disorder causing copper deficiency.
Symptoms: kinky hair, mental retardation, and low copper level in the blood and a
failure to synthesize the enzymes that require copper.
Copper levels are more often too high than too low. High copper can be toxic.
Physical Symptoms of High Copper:
Increased heart rate
Copper deposits in the brain and liver causing damage.
Damage to the kidneys
Inhibit urine production
Causes hair loss in women
High copper interferes with zinc, which is needed to manufacture digestive
enzymes. Many high copper people dislike protein and are drawn to
high-carbohydrate diets because they have difficulty digesting protein foods.
Excessive copper in children is associated with hyperactive behavior, learning
disorders such as dyslexia, ADD and infections such as ear.
Psychological Symptoms of High Copper:
Autism type symptoms
Schizophrenic type symptoms
Disperception of the senses, time, body, self and others.
Produces hypomanic states
Detachment from reality
Causes of High Copper:
Excess estrogen in the meat supply ( estrogen used as a growth hormone in
the meat industry was discontinued in the 80's and replaced with
Birth control pill
Use of prescription medications containing copper.
Too much copper in drinking water
Zinc and manganese deficiency raises copper levels.
Copper lowers the histamine levels.
It takes 3 months to lower the level in the body.
THE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE HIGH COPPER:
Wilson's Disease is a condition that causes copper to accumulate in the tissues and
cause extensive damage. Affects 1 in 30,000 people. The liver does not secrete
copper into the blood or excrete copper into the bile. Low blood levels, high in the
brain, eyes and liver causes cirrhosis. First symptoms: brain damage, tremors,
headaches, inability to speak, incoordination and psychosis.
The administration of total parenteral nutrition (nutritional intravenous
An important way to reduce high copper levels is to enhance the activity of
the adrenal glands. The adrenals cause the liver to secrete ceruloplasmin,
which binds and removes copper. Adrenal underactivity causes a deficiency
of available copper, and allows unbound copper to build up in the tissues.
Adrenal glandular substance is also frequently helpful.
Exercise temporarily stimulates the adrenals, which helps eliminate copper.
One needs to keep exercising or the copper toxicity symptoms, fatigue,
mood swings and depression will return.
Temporary controls; coffee, caffeine in soda and some drugs
Copper Food Sources:
Whole grain cereals
Leafy green vegetables
Works with iron, zinc, manganese and B-6
Needed in the utilization of Vitamin C
Should be balanced with zinc in a 1:10 ratio
Copper and pantothenic acid are related to hair color.
Excess copper destroys Vitamin C.
Necessary for the absorption of iron.
Found in copper plumbing, vitamin and mineral pills, tea bags, cooking
Zinc, manganese, vitamin C and B-6, folic acid, sulfur and molybdenum are
also copper antagonists, chelators or binders.
Copper has been used to Successfully treat:
Serving Size: 1 Teaspoon (5ml)
Serving Per Container:47
Phytogenic Mineral Catalyst
Calcium, Chloride, Cobalt, Chromium, Magnesium,
Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Iron, Copper, Phosphorus,
Sulfur, Potassium, Iodine and Zinc
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie
** No daily value established
Directions: Take 5 ml once daily with food
* This statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drag Administration.
This products are not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.