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What is Copper Aspartate?

Copper Aspartate is synonymously referred to as Copper L-Aspartate and is a dietary supplement taken to increase dietary intake of copper. Other Copper analogs or forms include Copper Aspartate, Copper Citrate and Copper Picolinate. Copper Aspartate is an important naturally occurring bioavailable delivery form of the immune boosting vital micro-mineral copper. Aspartic Acid functions as a natural transport mechanism for each mineral to provide optimum absorption and efficient utilization. The aspartate component is an important ingredient of the citric acid cycle, which is the center for energy production within the cell. As such aspartic acid must be present in every cell of the body, and it is therefore not something foreign to the body. Copper also plays vital roles in several physiological and biochemical metabolic pathways. Thus both the ingredients of copper aspartate are naturally present in the body. Any deficiency will lead to serious disturbances in the normal functioning of the system, making copper supplementation very important. Copper aspartate caters to this "optimal" nutritional requirement.

Copper, an essential mineral in all higher plants and animals, is the third most abundant trace mineral in the human body. Copper is transported primarily in the bloodstream by a plasma protein called ceruloplasmin. Copper is found in many enzymes, and is the main mineral in hemocyanin, an oxygen carrying pigment. It is believed that zinc and copper don’t go very well together when taken in excessive amounts as they compete for absorption in the digestive tract. For this reason, a diet that is rich in one of these minerals may cause a deficiency in the other. Copper can be derived from a variety of food sources, especially from oysters, which is the best dietary source there is for copper, as well as organ meats (especially liver), seafoods, beans, nuts, and whole-grains. Copper supplements can come in many forms including cupric oxide, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, and copper amino acid chelates.

Aspartic acid is a metabolic intermediate in several biochemical pathways in the body, including the tricarboxylic acid and urea cycles. Aspartic acid salts are believed to be mineral transporters to the metabolizing cells, aiding in the metabolic process by replenishing vital electrolytes thereby contributing to efficient energy production. In addition, the aspartate component is reported to reduce oxygen consumption by the cells during the energy cycle. Copper aspartate is a nutritionally functional analog with the added benefits of better absorption, greater tolerance, better retention and also safe bioavailable form of Copper. Copper is also a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Because of its ability to help promote healthy collagen in the body, copper may alleviate the pain associated with aching joints and minimize loss in mineral bone density. Copper is also an integral part of the compounds ceruloplasmin and SOD, antioxidants that can help treat and minimize arthritis symptoms.

What is Copper Aspartate used for and who uses it?

The body needs copper for normal growth and health and is needed to help the body use iron. It is also critical for nerve function, bone growth, and to help the body process and use sugar. Aside from being a key component of or a cofactor for approximately 50 different enzymes, which all need copper to function properly, Copper is also an essential nutrient crucial to the synthesis of hemoglobin, myelin, collagen, and melanin. Copper also works with vitamin C and zinc to help make tissue proteins, collagen and a component of connective tissue known as elastin, all needed for the development and the maintenance of skin and bones, including blood vessels and joints. It is also a critical functional component of a number of essential enzymes, known as cuproenzymes. Copper is also a powerful antioxidant. It works closely and is required by an antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), to shield cell membranes from free radical damage. Copper is needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy the body runs on, and it may also play a crucial role in staving off heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and high blood pressure. Copper's anti-inflammatory actions may also help in reducing arthritis symptoms. Individuals who consume high amounts of alcohol (alcoholics) may need to supplement their diets with copper to minimize the negative effect and risks linked with alcohol intake.

As mentioned in the well-renowned book "Nutraceuticals - The Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins, and Healing Foods," Copper has an important role in preventing iron deficiency anemia because: "Without small amounts of copper circulating in the body, iron cannot be absorbed from the intestinal tract or released from its storage sites in the liver and elsewhere." This mineral is linked in energy production and it assists in the formation of red blood cells, bone, and hemoglobin. Copper is essential to nerve health as it is required to develop and maintain myelin, the insulating sheath that protects nerve cells. The body needs copper to produce the natural dark skin pigment melanin, which colors the skin, hair, and eyes, because the cuproenzyme, tyrosinase, is required for the formation of this pigment. When hair becomes gray due to copper deficiency, copper supplementation may help reverse the process.

As the third most abundant trace mineral in the body, Copper helps protect the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems. It is needed to produce an enzyme that prevents your arteries from hardening and possibly rupturing, and for the manufacture of phospholipids, which build the myelin sheath protecting the nerves. The powerful antioxidant, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), also depends on copper for it to be produced by the body. Copper also helps manage and control the function of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme responsible for the creation of collagen in the bones, connective tissues, and skin. Many topical creams designed to firm and restore the skin’s elasticity now contain copper peptides as an active ingredient. Copper helps the body fight cardiovascular disease (and its symptoms like Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and high blood pressure) by promoting low cholesterol levels, and discouraging the development of atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms by keeping collagen and elastin fibers healthy. Copper is also instrumental in supplying the heart with healthy, oxygenated blood by working together with iron in the respiration and synthesis of hemoglobin. In fact, copper is required for proper storage, use, and release of the iron needed to produce hemoglobin in red blood cells. For this reason, copper is often used to treat anemia.

How pure is your Copper Aspartate?

This Purebulk Copper Aspartate is assayed by the manufacturer to be 10.8% pure. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this blue powder product. It's important to note that a large number of people do not reap copper's full health benefits because they simply do not consume enough of this essential nutrient. Copper works together with iron to make red blood cells and it is the major component of the outer coating of nerve fibers and collagen. Copper is involved in maintenance of immunity and fertility, formation of melanin, and the promotion of consistent pigmentation. It is believed to play a role in preventing high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, oxidation of the cells and keeping cholesterol low. Copper is used by the body to manufacture numerous enzymes, many of which work as antioxidants. Although the human body contains approximately 100-500 mg of copper, supplementation may be necessary if a person’s diet is deficient in this mineral because it has critical roles as a cofactor for enzymes involved in hemoglobin and collagen formation, and in incorporating iron into the structure of hemoglobin. Due to the fact that our product is of pharmaceutical quality, these are best utilized by the body, since it does not require digestion and are easily absorbed. Our product also has no additives, fillers or extenders included. For people who want the most bioavailable Copper Aspartate for their money, the sheer volume product is one of the most powerful and economical supplements of choline available. Buying in bulk is also the best place to save money, for surely you will pay more in a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long term and you will receive a big or below wholesale price for a quantity greater high purity of this product.

Symptoms of Copper Aspartate Deficiency

A copper deficiency (which is rare) is characterized by anemia, reduced growth, increased blood cholesterol levels, fatigue, heart arrhythmia, brittle or discolored hair, high blood pressure, skeletal defects, and infertility. Although deficiency in humans is rare, it does occur under certain circumstances. Additional symptoms of possible copper deficiency include low body temperature, bone fractures and osteoporosis, prominently dilated veins, low white blood cell count, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol levels, increased susceptibility to infections, birth defects, loss of pigment from the skin, and thyroid disorders. Inherited copper deficiency (Menkes' syndrome) occurs in male infants who have inherited a mutant X-linked gene, with an incidence of about 1 in 50,000 live births. Children with Menkes' disease are unable to absorb copper normally and become severely deficient unless medically treated early in life.

What is the daily suggested dose of Copper Aspartate?

The most widely used daily dose is for copper is 2 mg, with other dosages ranging from 2-5 mg a day. If you take zinc, which competes with copper absorption, you may need a couple of mg more than this suggested dose. There are no recommended dietary allowances set for copper. However, the National Academy of Sciences has set estimated minimum requirements:

1.5 to 3.0 mg per day for adults (ages 19 and older)
1.5 to 2.5 mg for children (ages 11 to 18)
1.0 to 2.0 mg for children (ages 7 to 10)
1.0 to 1.5 mg for children (ages 4 to 6)
0.7 to 1.0 mg for children (ages 1 to 3)
0.6 to 0.7 mg for infants (ages 6 to 12 months)
0.4 to 0.6 mg for infants (less than six months old)

You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Copper Aspartate here. You should consult your physician before taking any copper or any dietary supplements if you are on any prescription medications or you have a health condition. In addition, women that are pregnant or nursing should always talk to their physician before taking any copper supplements.

Suggested Preparation, Warning, and Usage Guidelines

Copper Aspartate is commonly taken in doses ranging from as little as 200mcg (0.2 milligrams) to as much as 3 milligrams. Because copper can potentially be very toxic in larger doses extreme care should be exercised when dosing this product for individual use and dietary supplementation. The single dose for Copper Aspartate is very small and you should make no attempt to dose this product using volumetric measuring techniques. In other words, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOSE THIS PRODUCT USING MEASURING SPOONS OF ANY KIND! The only safe way to dose this product for individual use will be using an accurate milligram weight scale to measure an amount that is at least 16 milligrams and then divide that amount in half to make two 8 milligram piles. Next divide each 8mg pile in half to make 4x 4mg. Next divide each 4mg pile in half to make 8x 2mg. Each of these 2mg doses would commonly be considered a safe dose, although dividing each 2mg pile yet again to 1mg might also be an effective dose for most people.

When using dietary supplements, keep in mind that like conventional medicines, dietary supplements may cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with prescription and nonprescription medicines or other supplements you might be taking. A side effect or interaction with another medicine or supplement may make other health conditions worse. If large amounts of copper are consumed, it reduces the levels of zinc and vitamin C. On the other hand, if large amounts of vitamin C and zinc are consumed, it reduces the levels of copper. One point to keep in mind is that the body needs a supply of all the nutrients in order to effectively function so if you intend to supplement your diet with a vitamin or mineral it is of paramount importance that you have a balanced intake of all the other nutrients. Being deficient in even one will lower the efficiency of all the other nutrients in your body.

Where do I buy an accurate milligram weight scale?

Milligram scales measure by weight in units that are accurate and precise to 1/1000th of a gram, or 0.001 grams. Because these scales are typically not sufficiently accurate to be considered reliable when measuring amounts less than 10 milligrams it is recommended that you measure out amounts larger than 10mg and then physically divide this amount multiple times so as to approximate a single dose in the range of between 500mcg (0.5mg) to 2mg, depending upon your individual needs. PureBulk does not sell these scales at this time but we do plan to offer them in the future. In the mean time you can purchase these scales fairly inexpensively on eBay. Click here: 1/1000th gram (milligram) weight Scales

Why can't I buy Copper Aspartate if I'm not a compounding pharmacist or health professional?

Because of the extremely small recommended dose for this product and the potential for toxic overdose please do not purchase this product unless you are a compounding pharmacist or other health practice professional. Please observe extreme caution when dosing and handling this product. We request that you contact us via email at store@purebulk.com prior to purchasing this product to let us know why you are qualified to purchase, handle and dose this product safely.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Copper Aspartate

Copper can be toxic if taken in excess, which may cause copper side effects such as muscle and joint pain, nervousness, irritability, depression, and others. Dosages of 10 mg or more a day can be toxic and may cause nausea or muscle pain, and in severe cases may result in liver damage, coma, or death. All copper compounds, unless otherwise known, should be treated as if they were toxic. Symptoms of acute copper toxicity include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which help prevent additional ingestion and absorption of copper. More serious signs of acute copper toxicity include severe liver damage, kidney failure, coma, and death. 30g of copper sulfate is potentially lethal in humans. The suggested safe level of copper in drinking water for humans varies depending on the source, but tends to be pegged at 1.5 to 2 mg/l. The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults of dietary copper from all sources is 10 mg/day. Supplemental copper is contraindicated in those with Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration), a disease of abnormal copper accumulation.

Copper Aspartate is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Biomins (Thorne Research), Basic Nutrients (Thorne Research), Vitol Products, Age Defying Copper Complex, Osteoprime, Mineral Complex, Bone Guardian

References & Further Research

The effects of copper ions on glutamate receptors in cultured rat cortical neurons
Copper plays an important role in the function of many physiological processes and can affect different neurotransmitter systems. In this study, we used the patch-clamp technique to investigate the effect of copper ions on glutamate receptors in cultured rat cortical neurons. Based on these findings, a modulatory role of copper ions on the neurotransmission by excitatory amino acids is discussed.

Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase overexpression promotes survival of cortical neurons exposed to neurotoxins in vitro
Oxidative stress and excitotoxicity have been implicated as triggering factors in various neurodegenerative diseases or acute neurological insults. Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a potent free radical scavenging factor, may prevent the progression of such diseases. In the present study, we show that SOD1 overexpression promoted the survival of cortical neuronal cultures originating from mice carrying the human SOD1 transgene. SOD1 overexpression significantly protected against the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species, ceramide, or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). It also preserved cortical neurons against apoptosis induced by NMDA or ceramide, as revealed by a smaller increase in caspase 3 activity. SOD1 overexpression was correlated with higher SOD1 activity, and neurotoxins induced an increase in SOD1 activity in cultures from both mice. Moreover, the ratio of increase of SOD1 in cultures from nontransgenic vs. transgenic mice was similar in control cultures or following neurotoxins administration. The highest amount of neurotoxin-induced SOD1 activity was generated by NMDA. Moreover, following exposure to hydrogen peroxide, the cytoskeletal organization was altered, as evidenced by modifications of -tubulin or MAP2 labelling. The fact that increased superoxide dismutase activity protected neurons suggests that appropriate control of SOD1 activity is required for neuronal survival under stressful conditions.

Copper Aspartate for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying Copper Aspartate Bulk or Wholesale

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