functions of copper
Last reviewed 01/2018
Copper is required for
- iron metabolism through ceruloplasmin
- ceruloplasmin is a ferroxidase, catalysing the conversion of ferrous to ferric iron; for this reason copper is required to optimise binding of iron to transferrin and hence to allow adequate synthesis of haemoglobin
- antioxidant defense
- neuropeptide synthesis
- immune function
- melanin pigment formation (1).
Copper is an essential co-factor for the following enzymes:
- cytochrome oxidase
- superoxide dismutase
- tyrosinase
- dopamine beta-hydroxylase
- lysyl oxidase
Reference: