Copper is essential for normal deve

Copper is essential for normal development of the body because it:

* Participates in a wide variety of important enzymatic reactions in the body.

* Is a component of or a cofactor for approximately 50 different enzymes. These enzymes need copper to function properly.

* Is essential for iron absorption and transport. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a main component of red blood cells. Therefore, copper deficiency is often linked to iron-deficiency anemia.

* Is required to build elastin and collagen, which are an important components of bones and connective tissues. Therefore, copper is believed to protect the bones and joints against degeneration and osteoporosis.

* Is required for melanin production. People with copper deficiency may have pale skin and hair.

* Is a key mineral for the immune system. Copper promotes wound healing. Studies show that premature infants or children with genetic copper defects are at high risk of getting infections and would significantly improve with copper supplementation.

* Attacks free radicals. Copper is a strong antioxidant. It works by attaching itself to the enzyme Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper also binds to a protein to form ceruloplasmin, which is an antioxidant.

* Helps the body produce energy. Copper participates in many oxidative reactions that break down fats in fat tissue to produce much needed energy. Copper deficiency has been associated with high cholesterol levels.

* Is necessary for normal functioning of insulin. Copper deficiency is also associated with poor blood glucose control.

* Is needed for normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

* Protects the structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain. Copper protects nerve fiber by maintaining myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds nerve cells. It also aids the transmission of nerve signals in the brains.