How Genes Influence Your Copper Requirements
Copper is an essential mineral for the body. Along with iron, it plays a vital role in the formation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). It is a cofactor for several enzymes (cofactors are substances required for enzyme activation). Copper is a trace element - which means our body requires it only in small quantities. It is also crucial for organ functioning and a healthy metabolism. Meeting your copper requirements is important for the?prevention of osteoporosis?and cardiovascular diseases. The body cannot synthesize copper on its own - therefore, it must be consumed through diet or supplements.
Copper Metabolism and Absorption - Getting Technical
Hepatocytes - cells of the liver - are the primary sites for copper metabolism.
When copper enters the body through dietary sources, it is first absorbed by the intestines.
It is then transported to the hepatocytes by a tube-like structure called the portal vein.
The copper then enters the hepatocytes - this is mediated by a protein called copper transporter (CTR1). After it enters the hepatocytes, either of the two things happens:
1. With the help of another transporter protein ATP7B, it reaches the ‘Golgi apparatus’ (packages protein to transport it to the destination) where it binds to another protein, ‘apoceruloplasmin.’ Once copper binds to this protein, it becomes ceruloplasmin. Subsequently, this ceruloplasmin exits the hepatocytes and is transported to other organs.
Sometimes, the copper is loosely bound to another protein called albumin and is circulated in the blood. This is called free serum copper.
Free serum copper + ceruloplasmin = Total serum copper
These three parameters are very important for blood diagnostics of copper metabolism.
2. If the body doesn’t require copper, it is transported to the bile ducts. From there, it is excreted into the bile.
If the ATP7B protein doesn’t function well, the copper gets accumulated in the cells leading to?Wilson’s disease.
Importance of Copper
Copper is found in the cells of almost all organs. It plays an important role in blood vessel formation, maintenance of the nervous and the immune system.
Our body needs copper for several activities. These include:
Copper and Cardiovascular Health
Copper deficiency is associated with changes in lipid levels. According to animal studies, low?copper levels can lead to cardiac abnormalities.
Some researchers believe that people with heart failure can?benefit from copper supplementation.
Copper and Arthritis
Some studies have shown that copper may help delay or prevent arthritis. That’s why wearing a copper bracelet as a remedy for arthritis is popular.
RDA of Copper
For adolescents and adults, the RDA is about?900 mcg per day.
The upper limit for adults aged 19 years and above is 10,000 mcg, or 10 milligrams (mg) a day. An intake above this level could be toxic.
The copper requirement changes with age, gender, and events like pregnancy.
How Genes Influence Copper Intake?
SELENBP1?and Copper Requirements
The?SELENBP1?is located on chromosome 1 and encodes selenium-binding protein.
Selenium is an essential mineral and is known for its anticarcinogenic properties, and a deficiency of it can result in neurologic diseases.
While selenium-binding protein has majorly been studied only for its tumor suppressant activities, a 2013 study found a significant?association between this protein and erythrocyte (red blood cells) copper levels.
rs2769264 of?SELENBP1?and Copper Deficiency Risk
rs2769264 is an SNP in the SELENBP1 gene. It is located on chromosome 1. This SNP has been associated with serum copper levels. According to a study, the presence of the G allele?increases the copper levels by 0.25-0.38 units.
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SMIM1?and Copper Requirements
The?SMIM1?gene is located on chromosome 1 and encodes Small Integral Member Protein 1. This protein plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells.
rs1175550 of?SMIM1?and Copper Deficiency Risk
rs117550 is an SNP in the SMIM1 gene. This SNP has been associated with serum copper levels. People who have an A allele in this SNP are at a greater risk for copper deficiency -?the presence of A allele decreases copper levels by 0.14-0.26 units.
Non-genetic Factors That Influence Copper Requirements
Breastfeeding
Infants fed on formula milk had?lower copper levels?than those on breast milk.
Excess zinc
Consuming excess zinc can lead to an inefficient absorption of copper.
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases
GI conditions like celiac diseases, short-gut syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome can impair copper absorption.
Certain health conditions
Some conditions, such as central nervous system demyelination, polyneuropathy, myelopathy, and inflammation of the optic nerve, can increase the risk of copper deficiency.
Symptoms of Copper Deficiency
Clinical symptoms of copper deficiency include:
Symptoms of Excess Copper
Copper toxicity means you have more than 140 mcg/dL of copper in your blood. It can be caused due to excess copper in drinking water, eating meals cooked in uncoated copper cookware, and IUDs (Intrauterine devices like copper-T).
Some symptoms of copper poisoning include:
If left untreated, copper toxicity can lead to liver damage, heart failure, and in some cases, death.
Dietary Sources of Copper
Animal Sources of Copper
Plant Sources of Copper
Summary
References