Choosing the Right Copper Supplement
Copper is an essential trace mineral and a critical cofactor of enzyme activity affecting many biological processes such as energy production, absorption of iron, connective tissue formation, immune function, synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, and red blood cell formation.
We get this important trace mineral from our diet and through supplementation. Some of the best sources of copper include organ meats, oysters and other shellfish, shitake mushrooms, dark chocolate, potatoes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, firm tofu, beans, black pepper, and more.
However, eating these copper-rich foods doesn’t always translate to getting enough copper into our bodies. Roughly 30% to 40% of the amount of copper that we consume is actually absorbed. And with modern farming techniques, essential mineral nutrients like copper, have declined dramatically.
Without adequate copper levels, your body cannot absorb iron – and both iron and copper are needed for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Copper is a cofactor in the formation of strong and flexible connective tissue, working synergistically to build collagen and elastin, resulting in healthy bone and cartilage structure, fascia, and ligaments. This also makes it essential for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Copper works with magnesium in the mitochondria to efficiently formulate ATP, the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in the cells. This conserves energy and helps increase metabolism efficiency. Copper also helps to facilitate phase 1 liver detoxification.
When it comes to copper supplementation, it’s important to understand the basics about the two forms of copper.
In the body, copper shifts between cuprous (copper I) and cupric (copper II). There are parts of the body that preferentially utilize each of the forms of copper to support various vital functions.
At the level of the cell membrane, copper II interacts with specific receptor sites, where it is converted to copper I and transported into the cell. In contrast, when copper I reaches the cell membrane, it’s taken in without any conversion (or energy) needed. Once transported through the membrane and bound to certain proteins, copper I is guided to the mitochondria, where the energy molecule ATP is made.
Most supplements provide the copper II form of copper – usually as an oxide, mineral salt, organic salt, or amino acid chelate. However, the solubility and absorption of these copper II supplements vary.
Unlike any other supplement, Sovereign Copper® Bio-Active Copper Hydrosol™ offers the body copper in both forms: copper I and copper II. This distinguishing feature makes all the difference when it comes to absorption.
By providing the body both copper I and copper II, the hydrosol is more bio-available to the body eliminating the extra work that must be done to convert it from one state to the other.
Sovereign Copper® Bio-Active Copper Hydrosol™ is made with just 3 ingredients: 99.999% pure copper, pharmaceutical-grade water and a hint of pure silver for stability. It is an excellent supplement for anyone looking to support their joints and tissues and maintain healthy iron levels while also providing extra energy.
About the Author: Sovereign Silver
Sovereign Silver is a family-owned business and an industry leader in the research and development of hydrosol products. Their mission is to produce the finest mineral hydrosols and natural health products as the first line of defense in the journey to health sovereignty.