• Manufacture of hemoglobin
• Collagen structures, especially joints and arteries
• Energy metabolism
• Important for enzyme systems such as SOD (superoxide dismutase)

• Best sources are shellfish, nuts, seeds and grains
• Zinc and copper compete for absorption
  • Natural foods – copper content higher than zinc
  • Problems with excess can be offset by zinc in those foods

Coconut milk, Cocoa

Amaranth Seeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Quinoa Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Sunflower oil,  Cocoa

• Excess Iron (in extreme situations)
• Zinc or Calcium antagonize absorption as Cooper shares absorption carrier with Zinc and Calcium
• Molybdenum supplementation or high-dose may inhibit usage or encourage excretion of Copper

• Anemia, fatigue, poor immune function and poor wound healing
• Elevated cholesterol levels leading to atherosclerosis

• Excess possible from copper in water pipes
• Excess linked to
  • schizophrenia; anxiety
  • learning disabilities; premenstrual syndrome