COPPER TO ZINC RATIO

Introduction

A balanced copper to zinc ratio aids with immunity, fights infection, balances hormonal levels, regulates inflammatory processes and influences how our body responds to stress. Individually, copper and zinc are also essential to human health.

Importance of Copper

Copper is an essential trace element ("essential" means "can't live without it" and "trace" means "needed only in small amounts".

Copper plays a role with iron in making red blood cells. It has an important role in maintaining nerve cells and immune functions. It also helps in building collagen.

Low copper levels have been related to high cholesterol and high blood pressure and neutropenia- a type of white blood cells that fights of infection. But please don't take copper supplements as you can overdose easy.

While copper deficiency is rare, it can result from poor absorption, taking too much zinc or vitamin C or due to some genetic disorder. Copper deficiency can lead to thyroid problems, low body temperature, osteoporosis, anaemia and bone fractures.

A high level of copper has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Too little or too much copper can lead to nerve damage in your brain.

An imbalance in copper to zinc ration where copper is high will suppress zinc levels in your blood.

Importance of Zinc

Zinc, too, is an essential trace element.

Zinc is found in every cell of a human body and is used for a wide range of functions:

- it is needed to produce enzymes that build and breakdown carbohydrate, protein, lipids and DNA. 

- it is needed for integrity and stability of the cell membrane.

- it is needed for growth and structure development

- it plays a central role in the immune system both at a cellular level and at humoral level

- zinc also works as an anti-oxidant against the free radicals produced as a bi-product of immune activation.

World Health Organisation estimates around 31% of the world to have zinc deficiency with range from 4% to 73% depending on the population. While overt zinc deficiency is not seen in NZ. there are certain risk groups like infants, toddlers, older people, pregnant women and women of all ages.

Importance of Copper to Zinc Ratio

Copper to zinc ratio seems to be more important than the actual levels of zinc or copper individually. Copper to Zinc ratio seems to play a role in the following conditions:

- glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

- hormonal balance

- ageing

- fertility and reproduction

- inflammation

- infection

- immunity and 

- stress response