Copper is found in high amounts in nuts and seeds, avocados, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, as seen in Graph 13-2. Whole grain products are also good sources of copper. Certain organ meats and shellfish are high in copper.
When copper is first absorbed in the intestines it is transported to the liver bound to albumin. Copper is carried in the bloodstream bound to a plasma protein called ceruloplasmin. Excess copper is removed from the liver into the bile. When the bile enters the intestines, the copper is given another chance at absorption.
Prolonged zinc supplementation above the recommended upper level of intake of 40 mg can reduce copper absorption. High levels of zinc increase intestinal production of metallothionein, which binds certain metals and can prevent their absorption. On the other hand, high iron intakes in infants may interfere with copper absorption.
RDAs have been established for copper to prevent deficiency, as seen in Table 13-3. These RDAs are designed to reduce the chance of copper deficiencies that may limit production of the important antioxidant superoxide dismutase. Copper supplements come in several forms such as cupric oxide, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, and amino acid chelates of copper.
Table 13-3 RDAs and adequate intakes (AI) for copper for all ages.
Graph 13-2 Copper content of some common foods.
When copper is first absorbed in the intestines it is transported to the liver bound to albumin. Copper is carried in the bloodstream bound to a plasma protein called ceruloplasmin. Excess copper is removed from the liver into the bile. When the bile enters the intestines, the copper is given another chance at absorption.
Prolonged zinc supplementation above the recommended upper level of intake of 40 mg can reduce copper absorption. High levels of zinc increase intestinal production of metallothionein, which binds certain metals and can prevent their absorption. On the other hand, high iron intakes in infants may interfere with copper absorption.
RDAs have been established for copper to prevent deficiency, as seen in Table 13-3. These RDAs are designed to reduce the chance of copper deficiencies that may limit production of the important antioxidant superoxide dismutase. Copper supplements come in several forms such as cupric oxide, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, and amino acid chelates of copper.
Table 13-3 RDAs and adequate intakes (AI) for copper for all ages.
Graph 13-2 Copper content of some common foods.
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