Copper

# What is copper? Copper is an essential trace element in the body and is involved in blood formation, cell protection and energy supply. It ensures the stability of connective tissue including skin and bones and is involved in the formation of the tanning pigment melanin. Copper is absorbed in the small intestine and transported in the blood bound to a special protein (coeruloplasmin). It is stored in the body in the muscles, bones, liver, brain and blood. Excess copper is mainly transported to the intestines in the bile and excreted in the stool. Copper is mainly found in animal foods such as offal, fish and shellfish. However, plant foods such as nuts, oilseeds, cocoa, pulses, wheat germ and some spices are also rich in copper. Drinking water also contains copper. However, the content is subject to strong fluctuations. A disturbance of the copper metabolism can lead to health problems, whereby an overload of copper should be avoided just as much as a copper deficiency. An excess, as occurs in Wilson's disease, leads to an abnormal accumulation of copper in various tissues, particularly in the liver and brain. This in turn can lead to gastrointestinal colic, liver damage and neurological problems. A deficiency, as occurs in Menkes' disease, leads to developmental delays, anemia, neurological problems and hair and skin changes. ## Examples of copper-rich foods: > ## Well combined supplements... > > Copper competes with some other micronutrients such as iron and zinc. For example, taking high doses of zinc (> 40 mg daily) over a long period of time can promote copper deficiency in adults. Taking high doses of iron can also have a negative effect on copper levels. It is therefore important to coordinate supplements and give preference to preparations that provide several trace elements such as copper, iron and zinc. These are generally lower in dosage and guarantee even absorption without displacing other micronutrients. # What do genetics have to do with it? We are investigating two genes in copper metabolism: The SELENBP1 gene (selenium-binding protein 1 gene) carries the blueprint for selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), a copper-dependent transport protein for selenium, in cells. The SELENBP1 gene also influences the activation of transport proteins for copper. These include the CTR1 protein (copper transporter 1), which transports copper through the cell membranes, and MTs proteins (copper metallothionein), which can bind copper. The latter play an important role in protecting against oxidative stress and in maintaining copper homeostasis in the cells. In short, the SELENBP1 gene influences copper metabolism in the body via several transport and storage proteins. - Variant rs2769264 of the SELENBP1 gene: The genotypes G/G and G/T show an increased copper level. A chronic oversupply of copper can lead to cell damage. The SMIM1 gene (Small Integral Membrane Protein 1 gene) carries the blueprint for the SMIM1 protein in the cells, which enables the transport of copper into the cells. The SMIM1 gene also influences the production of CTR1 (copper transporter 1), a transport protein for copper into the cell. Variants of the SMIM1 gene can therefore influence copper homeostasis in the body. - Variant rs1175550 of the SMIM1 gene: Genotypes A/A and A/G show a reduced copper level. Copper deficiency occurs very rarely and usually in conjunction with a corresponding genetic predisposition, intestinal damage or excessive zinc supplementation.