What is Copper Gluconate?
Copper is a naturally occurring mineral in the earth, but our bodies produce it as well. We need it in minimal amounts, and most of us get all the copper we need through food and water. It’s rare to be deficient, but there are some cases where supplementation may be helpful and warranted. Most of us are familiar with the industrial uses of copper, like in cookware, wires and pennies. But if we swallowed a penny, we wouldn’t absorb any copper because it’s not in a suitable form. However, medical and scientific fields consider forms like copper gluconate are appropriate as “orally bioavailable” and will absorb into your body when ingested. Often found in many foods and supplements, copper gluconate has many health benefits for your body. (x) Any time you want to try a new supplement, check with your physician.
A little copper goes a long way. It is a cofactor, which means it must associate with an enzyme for the enzyme to perform. (x) As an essential trace mineral, copper works with several necessary enzymes that involve the proper functioning of red blood cells and antioxidants. It helps keep bones, connective tissue and the immune system healthy. (x) (x) As necessary as copper is, though, too much can be toxic to your body. Close to two-thirds of your body’s copper is in the skeleton and muscle. (x)
What are Essential Trace Minerals?
Trace minerals are fundamental in helping your body to perform accordingly. If you lack any essential trace minerals, the biochemical reactions of your body will not take place. Cells and molecules will not function well. The trace minerals are chromium, fluoride, copper iodine, iron, molybdenum, manganese, selenium and zinc. These minerals have a dual role. These minerals stabilize the cellular structures at normal levels, but if your body is deficient, this may stimulate alternate behavior and cause diseases. Having a proper balance of essential trace minerals will help your body feel and act healthy. (x)
History and Discovery of Trace Minerals
Three men deserve recognition for establishing and discovering the importance of the nutritional value of trace minerals. (x) Jules Raulin (1836 – 1896), a French chemist, biologist and plant physiologist. His contribution to the development of “essential” as the foundation for which minerals receive their value. He founded the School of Industrial Chemistry and identified zinc’s role, which leads to the importance of the mineral in our diet. (x) Klaus Schwarz (1914 – 1978) discovers three trace minerals: selenium, chromium, and silica. Eric J. Underwood (1905 – 1980) was a researcher. The author unified the philosophical purpose of trace minerals.
Copper’s recognition as a valuable nutrient as an essential trace mineral occurred in 1928. A scientific study showed the mineral should qualify as a supplement to generate sufficient red blood cells. Copper corrected the anemia in rats by adding ash containing copper from vegetable sources or animals. (x)
Copper Gluconate Benefits
Copper supplementation is most effective when used to correct a deficiency. Signs of any shortage in your body can include anemia, low levels of specific white blood cells, osteoporosis, paleness and visibly less hair pigmentation than usual. (x)
Certain situations can put someone at risk for a copper deficiency. People who can’t absorb nutrients well, who take high levels of zinc supplements, rely entirely on parenteral nutrition (intravenously given food) or have certain genetic anomalies are more likely to need copper supplementation. (x) Any time you want to try a new supplement, check with your healthcare provider.
Some copper benefits for your body include:
- Copper Gluconate for Bone Health
Copper is vital for keeping bones strong. While bones seem solid, they’re a continually shifting matrix of minerals and tissue. People with low copper levels are more likely to develop osteoporosis. In cases of osteoporosis risk, supplementation may be necessary. (x)
A study performed on copper-deficient rats proved that bones become frail if they lack copper. The lack of copper in the animals’ bodies created a defect in their collagen component. (x)
Research documents support the supplementation of copper to increase the rate of bone healing. The documents stressed the importance of paying close attention to copper’s role as an optimal treatment for bone injuries. (x)
- Increase Antioxidant Activity
Copper plays a part in activating a molecule called superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant produced in the body. Antioxidants neutralize free-radicals — naturally occurring compounds in the body that cause cell damage. (x)
In a study, subjects taking 3 to 6 mg of supplemental copper increased SOD activity. (x) Eating a healthy diet, exercise, a stress-free lifestyle and plenty of rest help prevent free-radicals from forming. Antioxidants in your body help counter the production of free-radicals, and you can promote antioxidant production by providing all the minerals they need to function.
- Pays a Role in Energy Levels
Copper plays a role in energy production in a few ways. First, it is a cofactor for the enzyme Cytochrome c oxidase. Cytochrome c oxidase involves cellular respiration, which is the sequence of events that occurs within the cell to produce energy. The last step of cellular respiration requires a copper-containing molecule to help Cytochrome c oxidase finish making energy. So without enough copper, the process can slow or stop. (x)
The second way copper affects energy levels is by assisting your body in iron absorption. (x) Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells. An iron deficiency can lead to a type of anemia, causing fatigue. Copper supplements can therefore help improve anemia, as shown through research. (x)
- Healthy Heart
Copper deficiency can lead to cardiovascular issues. Laboratory studies, for example, found that animals with a copper deficiency developed several cardiac abnormalities. (x) In humans, supplementation in deficiency cases improved cholesterol, blood pressure and heart rhythm. (x)
Copper deficiency also leads to changes in the blood lipid levels, which play a role in high cholesterol levels. These high levels may lead to atherosclerosis or clogging of your arteries. (x)
- Copper Gluconate for Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue
Collagen is a protein in skin, bones, tendons and joints. It is what gives connective tissue its elasticity and strength. Once again, copper acts as a cofactor, a helper molecule, during collagen synthesis, and a deficiency can led to skin and hair problems. (x) (x).
Naturally, skincare products have jumped on the bandwagon. There are tons of cosmetics on the market now that include copper peptides (copper connected to a protein) that claim to boost collagen function and improve skin and hair appearance.
But it’s not all about how you look. The problems that occur with connective tissue because of copper deficiency can also lead to rheumatoid arthritis. There is a direct link between connective tissue inflammation and copper status among those with the condition. (x) (x)
- Important for Immune System
When the immune system underperforms, it could be due to low copper levels. White blood cell synthesis depends on copper, and when levels are low, the body is more susceptible to illness and infection. (x)
Research shows how copper plays a role in your immune system functioning correctly, as long as the copper has an adequate amount of the enzyme called superoxide dismutase. (x) Copper helps increase the positive effects of T cells, which are immune defenders. They affect the white blood cells via neutrophils, which make up 40 to 70 percent of the white blood cells. (x)
Food Sources of Copper
Copper is widely available in food and some public water supplies. Excellent sources of copper include: (x)
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Almonds
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Chickpeas
- Dark chocolate
- Avocados
- Oysters
- Liver and other organ meats
- Lentils
- Asparagus
- Kale
- Walnuts
- Raisins
- Quinoa
- Eggs
Copper Gluconate Dosage
With pure copper gluconate powder, more is not better. It is essential not to exceed the maximum dosage of 4 mg per day, as too much can become toxic (x). Copper also competes with zinc for absorption. It’s something to remember if you are trying to increase your Zinc intake. (x)
Where to Buy Copper Gluconate Powder?
You can purchase copper gluconate powder at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements.
BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other food and supplement brands to make their products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying copper gluconate mentioned in this article as a dietary complement to support healthy blood, bone health, heart health, keep skin, hair and nails healthy, and boost your immune system while giving you energy? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Copper Gluconate Side Effects
Side effects of too much copper include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, irritability, jaundice and muscle pain. (x)
The Bottom Line
Copper is vital for the proper functioning of the body. It plays a role in energy production, activates a powerful antioxidant, supports the immune system, and makes sure connective tissue and bones stay strong. In many foods and supplements, copper gluconate has several health benefits for your body.
This essential trace mineral works with several necessary enzymes that involve the proper functioning of red blood cells and antioxidants. Nearly two-thirds of your body’s copper is in the skeleton and muscle.
The trace mineral might even help you look better. Deciding whether to supplement with the orally bioavailable form copper gluconate — or any form of copper — requires careful consideration. Too much can be dangerous. If you’re unsure, ask your healthcare provider for more guidance.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
