Copper is the chemical element that has the symbol Cu and has an atomic number of 29. It is a metal that can conduct electricity very well and therefore lends itself to materials and functions that need to transfer electricity such as cables and thermal conductors. In nature, it is an essential nutrient that is applicable to many higher animals and plants.

Copper is a mineral that many foods naturally have. Foods such as liver, beef, avocado, shellfish, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables and many other foods have a natural amount of copper in them. Water also has a certain amount of copper in it because it is so abundant on the earth's crust, it mixes slightly with water.

Biologically copper has many roles in our bodies. It helps with storage, metabolism and absorption of iron, it is involved in connective tissue formation, cellular metabolism, gene expression regulation and is a component of many different enzymes.

Copper deficiency can occur in babies that have only been fed cow milk formulas. This is because cow milk has a natural low source of copper, not enough for a growing child. It is also common in premature babies, infants with a lengthy activity of diarrhea or malnutrition, those with cystic fibrosis and some elderly people that are on restrictive diets.

On the other hand, too much copper can cause toxins to enter the body and destroy certain processes. Wilson's disease is a condition whereby one cannot rid him or herself of copper which can result in copper being deposited in organs and there may follow bad effects such as neurological damage and liver failure. Excess copper levels may also lead to idiopathic copper toxicosis, Indian childhood cirrhosis, contamination of dialysis solution for those with kidney failure and obstruction of bile flow. It is therefore very important to keep copper levels balanced. Having a wide and healthy range of fresh foods including fruits, vegetables and whole grains should give you what you need to maintain a healthy body that is no copper deficient.

Mineral supplements are very common nowadays, especially because people are wanting to be not only more health conscious, but also are always looking for the quickest solution. It is therefore no surprise that mineral supplements have been proven to be very popular because they are cheap, easy to produce and take no time to ingest. They are available worldwide in places such as pharmacies and can also be bought at local supermarkets, especially in places like the United States and Great Britain.

It is important to take supplements as advised and it is recommended to take a certain amount of vitamins and minerals everyday to help our immune system stay working at 100%. It is also advised not to overdose on certain vitamins and minerals as they may cause serious side effects and affect certain bodily processes. Supplements are generally taken both for maintaining regular health but also to treat deficiencies so therefore they come in different strengths and dosages. There are a number of brands that sell mineral supplements so it is worth finding out which one is best for you. The cheapest option may not always be the best.

If you are unsure about taking supplements, contact your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can advise you on the best plan of action and give you more information about specific vitamins and minerals. It is advised to seek consultation especially if you are pregnant or currently taking any medication as this can affect the intake of supplements. Go to a registered pharmacy and make sure you read all the instructions on dosage and follow them strictly. More information can be found on the Internet.