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
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)
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
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
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
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.
