[The Beast1]

Hey guys, I wanted to take a moment to make a write up about copper supplements.

I was struggling for awhile to figure out why I felt so stupid. I was a fast learner and all of a sudden my speech and ability to pick up new subjects diminished after switching to a much more strenuous routine. I work out 4 times a week, eat four to five meals a day, and take ZMA, fish oil, vitamin D, GABA, and melatonin.

Yet, I was quickly becoming a dumb muscle head. My quick wit disappeared and my problem solving abilities were diminishing. Not to mention I've been getting really sleepy during the day even with 9 hours of sleep.

I did some searching and I think I found what was going on. If you're taking ZMA or any zinc supplements it is imperative that you also find a way to up your copper intake.

Zinc and especially copper are really important for the creation of adenosine triphosphate, the body's means of metabolic energy transport.

Stolen from this thread at bodybuilding.com

Quote:

Copper is an essential trace element present in the diet and in the human body. It is needed to absorb and utilize iron. It is also part of the antioxidantenzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper is needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy the body runs on. Synthesis of some hormones requires copper, as does the synthesis of collagen (the "glue" that holds connective tissue together). In addition, the enzyme, tyrosinase, which plays a role in the production of skin pigment, requires copper to function.

Copper supplementation has been shown to increase SOD levels in humans.
Copper is an essential trace mineral in animal and human nutrition. Anemia, neutropenia and osteoporosis are found with frank copper deficiency. Copper deficiency in humans is rare but it does occur under certain circumstances, such as in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Mild copper deficiency due to marginal copper intake over a long period may also occur. In addition to possible anemia, neutropenia and osteoporosis, manifestations of mild copper deficiency may include abnormal glucose tolerance, hypercholesterolemia, arthritis, myocardial disease, arterial disease, cardiac arrhythmias, loss of pigmentation and neurological problems.

Copper is a transition metal with atomic number 29 and an atomic weight of 63.55 daltons. Its symbol is Cu. Copper participates in metabolism as a component of many metalloenzymes, including ceruloplasmin or ferroxidase I, cytochromecoxidase, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, tyrosinase, monoamine oxidase, diamine oxidase, lysyl oxidase (protein-lysine 6-oxidase), peptidylglycine-alpha-amidating monoxygenase and ferroxidase II.

Copper essentiality for humans was first demonstrated in malnourished children in Peru. The children had an anemia that was not responsive to iron therapy, as well as neutropenia and bone abnormalities. The anemia, neutropenia and bone abnormalities were responsive to copper supplementation. Copper is required for normal infant development, red and white blood cell maturation, iron transport, bone strength, cholesterol metabolism, myocardial contractility, glucose metabolism, brain development and immune function, among other things.

Although copper is clearly essential for a wide range of biochemical processes which are necessary for the maintenance of good health, copper is also a potentially toxic substance. Copper exists in the oxidation states Cu(I) or Cu+(cuprous), and Cu(II) or Cu2+ (cupric) under physiological conditions. The shift back and forth between these two oxidation states via single-electron-transfer reactions is the property that makes copper such an essential component of the enzymes mentioned above. However, this redox property also contributes to its potential toxicity. Redox cycling between Cu+ and Cu2+ can generate the highly reactive oxygen species hydroxyl radicals which can damage lipids, DNA and proteins. Recently, intracellular proteins have been discovered yhat protect against the potential toxicity of copper ions. These proteins escort copper ions directly to enzymes that require them in order to function. Free copper ions are involved in the formation of hydroxyl radicals. The proteins that protect cells from copper toxicity are called copper chaperones and essentially keep the cells free of free copper ions. Wilson's disease, or hepatolenticular degeneration, is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from pathological accumulation of copper, principally in liver and brain tissues.

The richest dietary sources of copper include nuts, seeds, legumes, the bran and germ portions of grains, liver, kidneys, shellfish, oysters and crustaceans. Cow's milk has little copper.

source: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=602243

I've been supplementing 4 mg of copper daily in the morning when I eat breakfast and I have been surprised with the results. My mental clarity is up and I have more energy. Most notability, I don't feel exhausted doing heavy squats.

You shouldn't take zinc at the same time you take copper as zinc interferes with copper absorption. I take my ZMA at night for a sleep aid.

TL;DR if you're supplementing zinc it would probably benefit you to also supplement copper at a different time of the day.

[Parlay44]

Quote:

Copper supplementation has been shown to increase SOD levels in humans.

I'm all about increasing my SOD levels

[Aliblahba]

Direct rapid injection is the best way to get copper supplements....at least that's what my enemies tell me.


   

[Seth_Rose]

Very important, but I just take L-OptiZinc and that covers both my Zinc and Copper needs.

[Cr33pin]

I need to look into this.... I have been supplementing just Zinc for the last 4 months... about 20-30 gram sa day, with no copper supplementing