Essential for Life

Essential for Life

As a naturally occurring element, copper is present, in various forms and concentrations, in the earth's crust, oceans, lakes and rivers.
Human, plant and animal life has evolved in this natural presence, and thus most organisms have built-in mechanisms for using it. Copper nutrition is a topic of major interest both to livestock breeders, as well as doctors and human nutritionists.

Understanding copper uptake

Human beings and animals obtain copper from a variety of sources. As a natural element, it appears in many of the foods we eat and the water we drink. The digestive system of the body assimilates the amount necessary for good health through an effective system of uptake, homeostasis. Copper in excess to what is required is excreted.

Copper's role for proper growth and development

Copper is instrumental for infant growth, bone strength, red and white blood cell maturation, iron transport, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, heart muscle contraction, and brain development. Conversely, copper deficiency can lead to health problems such as anaemia, heart and circulation problems, bone abnormalities and complications in the functioning of the nervous and immune systems, the lungs, thyroid, pancreas and kidneys.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is a greater risk from copper deficiency than from copper toxicity, particularly among children and the elderly, even in developed areas such as the US and Western Europe.

Part of a balanced diet

Copper is required as part of a balanced diet. Medicine is paying great attention to the importance of copper nutrition for pregnant women, the developing foetus and new-born babies. A typical recommended daily requirement is 1-2 mg for adults, and 0.5-1 mg for children.

Copper's contribution to public hygiene

Copper has a natural bacterio-static effect. It can help inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms in drinking water and on household surfaces. Copper plumbing tube inhibits certain viruses and bacteria, such as the one that causes Legionnaire's Disease. Additionally, copper tubing withstands the high temperatures needed to defeat Legionella and other pathogenic organisms.
Surfaces treated with copper-based coatings and brass fittings, such as door handles and stair rails, also help reduce the spread of pathogenic organisms. Hospitals and clinics have reduced the incidental transfer of micro-organisms by using copper based antibacterial paint on walls and by installing copper or brass fittings on doors.

Copper research

Copper has been the subject of scientific and technical enquiry throughout the ages. The International Copper Association, one of the founding members of the European Copper Institute, underwrites extensive original research to develop a better understanding of copper's environmental behaviour and how that affects ecosystems, human health and plant and animal nutrition.
This research is conducted world-wide by independent scholars and scientists, and is subject to peer-review. For further information on recent and future research projects, please contact the International Copper Association.