In old age, excess copper and iron is especially dangerous

Everyone knows that copper and iron are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body, but their excess has a toxic effect, especially dangerous for the elderly.

Both metals are transitional elements with redox properties and, accordingly, contribute to the hyperproduction of free radicals that damage cells and tissues. In the course of evolution, the human body has learned to make reserves of these metals, a certain amount of which is necessary for various life processes, including to ensure reproductive function. However, oxidative damage caused by excessive reserves of copper and iron accumulates with age, and after 50 years the body loses the ability to resist them.

There is scientific evidence that excess copper and iron in the body contributes to the development of many age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. The authors of one of the studies found that people belonging to the 20% of the population who consume the largest amount of copper are three times more likely to develop cognitive function disorders, which is further aggravated when they consume a large amount of fatty foods.

The copper of inorganic compounds contained in drinking water and vitamin-mineral complexes differs from copper, which is part of food. It is absorbed differently by the body and has a higher toxicity. Residual amounts of copper in drinking water, not exceeding 10% of the norm established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, significantly increase the symptoms of the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

In his review of the Risks of Copper and Iron Toxicity during Aging in Humans, published on December 7 in the preliminary on-line version of the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, Professor Emeritus of the University of Michigan George Brewer discusses these and other facts concerning the toxic effects of copper and iron on an aging organism. Brewer also gives a number of recommendations to help avoid the accumulation of excess of these metals in the body.

Among other things, he recommends against taking iron- and copper-containing vitamin-mineral complexes (but first check the content of copper and iron in the blood, because their lack can cause anemia), reduce meat consumption, try to avoid drinking water flowing through copper pipes, and use filters to purify tap water, and also take zinc preparations that help reduce the level of copper.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru according to Rodale news: Excess Copper May Be an Unnoted Everyday Health Threat

27.01.2010