COPPER
Copper is found in all living cells and is essential for proper function of the immune system. With zinc, it is part of a complex called copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, which is an extremely important antioxidant enzyme. A copper deficiency impairs the function of this enzyme and leads to various diseases affecting the blood, the cardiovascular system, the skeleton, and the central nervous system.⁵ Adequate intake of copper is especially important for obese women during weight loss, and it has been known for decades that a copper deficiency can cause osteoporosis.⁹ A reasonable amount of supplemental copper is 2.5 mg/day.