Trace minerals are chemical elements essential to your body in small amounts but toxic in large amounts. Your body uses iron, zinc, manganese, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, iodine, chromium and selenium as primary trace mineral sources. Together, trace minerals activate enzymatic activity, help your body fight disease and maintain proper metabolism. Large zinc amounts decrease copper in your body. Your body maintains a delicate trace mineral balance, so it is important not to disrupt it.
Role of Zinc
Zinc is the most abundant mineral in your body, next to iron. It helps your body develop and grow properly, repair tissues and resist disease. Your body needs 8 to 11 mg daily, if you are an adult, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Below-normal zinc levels slow wound healing and reduce your ability to fight infection. Excess zinc interferes with copper absorption. Zinc intake at 35 to 40 mg daily is considered excess, and 150 mg or higher interferes with copper absorption, says the UMMC.
Role of Copper
Copper helps your body use iron, which is needed for healthy blood production. It conducts electricity and heat and plays a role in proper cartilage and bone development. Copper also helps your body generate fuel from carbohydrates, protein and fats. The daily recommended allowance is 1.5 to 3 mg daily. Higher than recommended copper intake can be toxic to your organs, especially your liver, while abnormally low copper reduces red and white blood cell formation and impairs bone calcification and energy production.
Zinc and Copper Balance
Zinc and copper have similar roles and function closely together. They are primarily both bound to proteins in your body for use. When your body has much more zinc or copper than it needs, these metals remain unbound. It is these excess unbound metals that can cause damage as they roam freely, so it is important to have enough that your body will bind and use.
Precautions
You generally get enough zinc and copper from your diet. Both minerals are found in plant and animal sources. Because high levels of either mineral upset the delicate zinc-to-copper ratio and high levels of zinc reduce copper in your body, avoid supplementing either mineral unless directed by your doctor.
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