Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
06:45
A Caenorhabditis elegans Nutritional-status Based Copper Aversion Assay
Published on: July 26, 2017
Is the Western diet adequate in copper?
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58201, United States. leslie.klevay@und.edu
Summary
Copper is essential for health, but Western diets provide less than recommended amounts. Increasing identification of copper deficiency suggests potential links to serious diseases like Alzheimer's and heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Human Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Copper is an essential trace element vital for numerous physiological functions.
- Dietary copper intake has declined significantly in Western populations since the 1930s.
- Suboptimal copper levels are increasingly recognized, impacting various bodily systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on copper deficiency in human health.
- To highlight the prevalence of low copper intake and its potential health consequences.
- To discuss the link between copper nutriture and chronic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on copper metabolism and deficiency.
- Analysis of dietary intake trends and recommended allowances.
- Examination of clinical reports and controlled trials involving copper supplementation.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of adults in Europe, the UK, US, and Canada consume less than adequate copper.
- Hundreds of individuals have been identified with impaired copper nutriture.
- Controlled trials show benefits of copper supplementation in nearly 1000 participants.
Conclusions:
- Copper deficiency is an emerging health concern with widespread implications.
- Low copper intake is increasingly identified and may contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and osteoporosis.
- Further research is needed to understand the causes and full impact of copper deficiency.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
00:57The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
OverviewElements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally-occurring, and fewer still are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.The Periodic Table Provides Information...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...