Absorption of copper
Generally speaking, the intake of copper in infants is 0.4 ~ 1.0 mg/day, and that in adults is 1.5 ~ 3.0 mg/day, and the absorption rate is 30 ~ 40%. The stomach, duodenum and upper part of small intestine are the main absorption sites of copper, and its intestinal absorption is an active absorption process. The transporter of copper ions inside and outside the membrane is ATPase, which can combine actively absorbed copper with albumin in the collateral circulation of portal vein and transport it to the liver for further metabolism by phosphorylation of aspartic acid residues.
Copper excretion
Copper is mainly excreted through bile, which contains copper-binding compounds with low molecular weight and high molecular weight. The former is more common in liver bile and the latter is more common in gallbladder bile. Copper can enter bile through exocytosis of lysosomes or copper transfer of ATPase, and copper in bile can also be the result of decomposition of copper-binding proteins existing in bile by hepatocyte lysosomes. Most copper in plasma is bound to ceruloplasmin or exists in renal cells, and rarely filtered through glomeruli. Under normal circumstances, the copper content in urine is very small. When the excretion and storage of copper and the synthesis of ceruloplasmin are unbalanced, copper urine will appear.
Human body function
Copper is an indispensable micronutrient for human health and a component of hemocyanin, which has an important influence on the development and function of internal organs such as blood, central nervous system and immune system, hair, skin and bone tissue, brain, liver and heart. Copper is mainly taken from daily diet. The World Health Organization recommends that adults should consume 0.03 mg of copper per kilogram of body weight every day in order to stay healthy. Pregnant women and babies should be doubled. Copper deficiency can cause various diseases, which can be supplemented by taking supplements and pills containing copper.
The content of copper in human body is about 100 ~ 150mg, and the normal value of serum copper is 100 ~ 120μ g/dl, which is the second essential trace element for human body. Copper-containing enzymes include tyrosinase, monoamine oxidase, superoxide dismutase and hemocyanin. Copper can activate the formation of hemoglobin and promote the absorption and utilization of iron, which is of great significance in electron transfer, elastin synthesis, connective tissue metabolism, purine metabolism, phospholipid and nerve tissue formation.
Copper deficiency can lead to the following diseases:
1. Anemia
The most common clinical manifestations are dizziness, fatigue, fatigue, tinnitus and dizziness. Pale skin, mucous membrane and nails, feeling short of breath and flustered after physical activity. In severe anemia, shortness of breath and palpitation will occur even at rest, and soft systolic murmurs can be heard at the tip and bottom of the heart.
2. Bone changes.
The clinical manifestations are osteoporosis and easy to fracture.
3. Copper and coronary heart disease.
4. Copper and vitiligo.
5. Female infertility.
Lack of copper will make the inhibition process of the nervous system out of balance, make the nervous system in an excited state and lead to insomnia, and neurasthenia may occur over time.
The lack of copper in human body can increase the intake of foods with high copper content, such as fish, shrimp, crab, corn and bean products.
Copper ions can be used for disinfection, sterilization and epidemic prevention. For example, it can kill bacteria such as Escherichia coli and dysentery that are easy to breed in water, remove mollusks such as slugs and snails that spread schistosomiasis in water, and mosquito larvae that spread malaria. It can also be used in swimming pools to prevent green algae pollution and tinea pedis infection through the floor.