Research on the Mineral Copper

The following research abstracts are presented to reflect the findings of possible benefits from minerals as a dietary supplement and nutritional supplement. You will find more on the ionic copper page.

ARTHRITIS

Nutrient intake of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is deficient in pyridoxine, zinc, copper, and magnesium

Journal of Rheumatology (Canada), 1996, 23/6 (990-994)

Objective. To determine nutrient intake of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and compare it with the typical American diet (TAD) and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Methods. 41 patients with active RA recorded a detailed dietary history. Information collected was analyzed for nutrient intake of energy, fats, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals, which were then statistically compared with the TAD and the RDA. Results. Both men and women ingested significantly less energy from carbohydrates (women 47.4% (6.4) vs 55% RDA, p = 0.0001; men = 48.9% (7.4), p = 0.025) and more energy from fat (women = 36.8% (4.5) vs 30% RDA. p = 0.001 and men = 35.2% (5.9) p = 0.02). Women ingested significantly more saturated and mono-unsaturated fat than the RDA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04 respectively) while men ingested significantly less polyunsaturated fat (PUFA)(p = 0.0001). Both groups took in less fiber (p = 0.0001). Deficient dietary intake of pyridoxine was observed vs the RDA for both sexes (men and women p = 0.0001). Deficient folate intake was seen vs the TAD for men (p = 0.02) with a deficient trend in women (p = 0.06). Zinc and magnesium intake was deficient vs the RDA in both sexes (p values less than or equal to 0.001) and copper was deficient vs the TAD in both sexes (p = 0.004 women and p = 0.02 men). Conclusion. Patients with RA ingest too much total fat and too little PUFA and fiber. Their diets are deficient in pyridoxine, zinc and magnesium vs the RDA and copper and folate vs the TAD. These observations, also documented in previous studies, suggest that routine dietary supplementation with multivitamins and trace elements is appropriate in this population.

HEART DISEASE (RELATED)

Antioxidant status of hypercholesterolemic patients treated with LDL apheresis

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy (USA), 1996, 10/5 (567-571)

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies suggest a negative correlation between the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and blood concentrations of lipophilic antioxidants such as vitamins A and E and beta-carotene. Trace elements, such enzymes as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and trace element status of patients with severe hypercholesterolemia who had been treated with dextran-sulphate low-density lipoprotein apheresis in comparison with two control populations, normocholesterolemic subjects and untreated hypercholesterolemic patients. Our results showed that, patients treated with LDL apheresis, compared with normocholesteromic subjects, were not deficient in vitamin E, beta-carotene, and copper, but had low plasma levels of selenium, zinc, and vitamin A. The low selenium and vitamin A levels were due to the LDL apheresis treatment, and the hypercholesterolemia might have provoked the low plasma levels of zinc.This study pointed out the potential benefits of supplemental selenium, zinc, and vitamin A in patients being treated with LDL apheresis.

HYPERACTIVITY

[Deficiency of certain trace elements in children with hyperactivity]

Psychiatr Pol (POLAND) May-Jun 1994, 28 (3) p345-53

The magnesium, zinc, copper, iron and calcium level of plasma, erythrocytes, urine and hair in 50 children aged from 4 to 13 years with hyperactivity, were examined by AAS. The average concentration of all trace elements was lower compared with the control group-healthy children from Szczecin. The highest deficit was noted in hair. Our results show that it is necessary to supplement trace elements in children with hyperactivity.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis: A diathesis?

GAZZ.SANIT. (MILANO) (ITALY), 1973, 22/1 (37-39)

The incidence of multiple sclerosis among predisposed subjects is higher in cold climates, and is compounded where trace metals, such as copper, selenium and cobalt, are lacking in the diet. The importance of trace elements in various metabolic processes is discussed, including the etiology of multiple sclerosis. Screening children, removing those at risk to warmer climates and further research into trace metal physiology are recommended.

PREMENSTRUAL TENSION SYNDROME

Plasma copper, zinc and magnesium levels in patients with premenstrual tension syndrome

ACTA OBSTET. GYNECOL. SCAND. (Denmark), 1994, 73/6 (452-455)

We measured plasma Cu, Zn and Mg levels in 40 women suffering from premenstrual tension syndrome (PMTS) and in 20 control subjects by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean plasma Cu, Zn and Mg levels, the Zn/Cu ratio were 80.2 plus or minus 6.00 microg/dl, 112.6 plus or minus 8.35 microg/dl, 0.70 plus or minus 0.18 mmol/l, and 1.40 plus or minus 0.10 in the PMTS group; and 77.0 plus or minus 4.50 microg/dl, 117.4 plus or minus 9.50 microg/dl, 0.87 plus or minus 0.10 mmol/l, and 1.51 plus or minus 0.05 in the control group respectively. The mean Mg level and the Zn/Cu ratio were significantly lower in PMTS patients than in the control group. Plasma Mg and Zn levels were diminished significantly during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in PMTS group. Mg deficiency may play a role in the etiology of PMTS.