COPPER
Functions
- Copper is found in all tissues of our body. It is an essential element in the formation of haemoglobin. About 100-150mg of copper is present in the human body.
- The brain, liver, heart and kidney contain the highest amounts.
- In the blood, copper is present in the plasma and RBC.
- Copper is absorbed rapidly into the blood.
- Copper is a component to certain enzymes in our body.
- It is part of the enzyme cytochrome oxidase (essential for glucose metabolism) and tyrosinase, (necessary for converting the amino acid tyrosine to melanin, the dark pigment of the skin).
- Copper stimulates the absorption of iron.
- Copper is a constituent of the elastic connective tissue protein elastin.
Deficiency
- Copper deficiency is not common in human beings.
- In malnourished persons iron is not absorbed properly and anaemia occurs.
- Premature babies fed on cow’s milk develop anaemia due to copper and iron deficiency.
Sources
Good sources: Sorghum, bajra, raw rice, whole grams, cow pea, dried peas, red gram, drumstick and organ meat like kidney.
Richest sources: liver
Requirements
- Adult -2mg per day
- Pregnancy and lactation -3mg per day
- Infants (0-12months) - 0.5-1.0mg per day
- Children -2gm per day
- Adolescents -3gm per day
|
Last modified: Thursday, 31 May 2012, 11:22 AM