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Essentiality of copper in humans
R Uauy1, M Olivares, M Gonzalez
1Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago. uauy@abello.seci.uchile.cl
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Copper is essential for cuproenzyme function, but dietary intake is often insufficient. Understanding copper nutriture is key to preventing deficiency-related health issues like anemia and bone abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Copper is an essential trace element vital for numerous biological processes.
- Cuproenzymes, critical for cellular functions, rely on copper for their structural and catalytic roles.
- Dietary copper intake in Western populations often falls below recommended levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biochemical basis of copper essentiality and dietary adequacy.
- To explore factors influencing copper deficiency and its impact on health.
- To discuss recommendations for safe dietary copper intake.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing biochemical and crystallographic evidence on copper's role.
- Examination of studies on copper-dependent gene regulation in yeast models.
- Analysis of factors contributing to copper deficiency and its clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- Copper is indispensable for the structural and catalytic functions of cuproenzymes.
- Mechanisms of copper-dependent gene regulation in mammals remain unclear, though yeast models suggest regulatory elements.
- Common causes of copper deficiency include low birth stores, inadequate intake, poor absorption, and increased losses.
- Anemia, neutropenia, and bone abnormalities are primary clinical signs of copper deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Dietary copper recommendations must balance essentiality with potential toxicity.
- Defining a safe range of intake (lower and upper limits) is crucial for public health.
- Further research into mammalian copper-regulated gene expression is warranted.