Copper and its effects on neurological health
Copper and its effects on neurological health
copper and its effects on neurological health
Copper is an essential trace element that plays an important role in many areas of the human body. A balanced copper intake is crucial for maintaining good neurological health. In this article, the effects of copper on the nervous system are examined more precisely.
What is copper?
Copper (CU) is a chemical element with the CU symbol and the order number 29. It is a red, easily formable metal that is used in many industries such as electronics, construction and energy generation. However, copper is not only important for technical applications. It also plays a significant role in the human body.
The importance of copper for neurological health
Copper is of crucial importance for the normal function of the nervous system. It is required for the production of neurotransmitters, chemical messenger substances that are responsible for communication between nerve cells. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin are important for regulation of the mood, cognition and motor control.
In addition, copper plays a role in myelination, the process of forming the protective myelin layer around nerve fibers. This layer is crucial for the effective transmission of nerve impulses. A lack of copper can lead to impairments of myelinization and thus negatively influence the nervous system.
copper deficiency and neurological diseases
A copper deficiency can lead to a variety of neurological diseases. A well-known disease associated with copper deficiency is the Menkes disease. This rare genetic disease leads to incorrect copper absorption and distribution in the body. Menkes disease often manifests itself in neurological symptoms such as intellectual disabilities, developmental delays and muscle hypotension.
other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, also have a connection to a disturbed copper -homöostasis. Research has shown that an excessive accumulation of copper in the brain can promote the formation of harmful protein deposits that are characteristic of these diseases.
copper surplus and neurological health
While a lack of copper can have negative effects on neurological health, an excess of copper can also be problematic. An inherited metabolic disorder called Wilson disease leads to a disturbed copper excretion from the body. These results in the enrichment of copper in various organs, including the brain. The excess copper amount leads to the formation of oxidative stress and damage to the nerve cells.
copper -rich foods
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining an appropriate copper intake. There are many foods that are rich in copper and can be built into the daily diet. The copper sources include food such as offal, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes and shellfish.
When choosing copper -rich foods, it is important to ensure that they are consumed in reasonable quantities. Excessive consumption of copper -rich foods can lead to an imbalance in the body and disrupt copper intake. It is advisable to adhere to the recommended daily recording (RDA), which is about 900 micrograms per day for adults.
FAQ
1. How does copper affect the nervous system?
Copper plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters and the myelinization of nerve fibers. It is essential for the normal function of the nervous system.
2. Which neurological diseases are associated with copper deficiency?
Menkes disease is a rare genetic disease connected to a copper deficiency and leads to neurological symptoms. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's also have a connection to disturbed copper homöostasis.
3. What is the Wilson disease?
Wilson disease is an inherited metabolic disorder that leads to a disturbed copper excretion. This leads to an enrichment of copper in the brain and other organs, which can lead to neurological symptoms.
summary
Copper is an essential trace element that is of great importance for neurological health. It plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters and the myelination of nerve fibers. A lack of copper can lead to various neurological diseases, while a surplus of copper can also be harmful. A balanced diet with copper -rich foods is important to ensure adequate copper intake. It is advisable to regularly follow RDA guidelines and to obtain professional advice in the event of a possible copper disorder.