Changes

==Roles in the Body==

==Roles in the Body==

Each of the enzymes that requires copper can be linked to a key metabolic process and this in turn defines the essentiality of copper as a nutrient. For example, lysyl oxidase is involved in connective tissue formation while ferroxidase enzymes are involved in iron metabolism and the formation and development of red blood cells. Copper is a component of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is involved in protecting the body against oxidative damage. As a component of tyrosinase it is '''essential for the formation of the pigment melanin and therefore for normal hair colour'''.

Each of the enzymes that requires copper can be linked to a key metabolic process and this in turn defines the essentiality of copper as a nutrient. For example, lysyl oxidase is involved in connective tissue formation while ferroxidase enzymes are involved in iron metabolism and the formation and development of red blood cells. Copper is a component of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is involved in protecting the body against oxidative damage. As a component of tyrosinase it is '''essential for the formation of the pigment melanin and therefore for normal hair colour'''.

Copper is '''absorbed primarily from the small intestine'''; absorption is influenced by the dietary copper content, being increased when the copper intake is low. In the liver copper is bound to ceruloplasmin, which becomes the principal form of copper transported in the plasma. '''Iron and zinc decrease the availability of copper'''; zinc is a particularly potent inhibitor of copper absorption. This occurs by zinc stimulating the formation of metallothionein, a protein that has a high affinity for binding copper. Copper balance occurs mainly via biliary excretion <span style="color:red">[WikiVet Link to section 5]</span>.

Copper is '''absorbed primarily from the small intestine'''; absorption is influenced by the dietary copper content, being increased when the copper intake is low. In the liver copper is bound to ceruloplasmin, which becomes the principal form of copper transported in the plasma. '''Iron and zinc decrease the availability of copper'''; zinc is a particularly potent inhibitor of copper absorption. This occurs by zinc stimulating the formation of metallothionein, a protein that has a high affinity for binding copper. Copper balance occurs mainly via [[Copper - Nutrition#Toxicity|biliary excretion]].

==Consequences of Copper Deficiency==

==Consequences of Copper Deficiency==