Copper is a critical functional component of a number of essential enzymes know as cuproenzymes.

The RDA for copper is 900mcg/day for adults.

Best food sources include dried beans, peas, whole wheat, prunes, organ meats, shrimp and most sea foods.

Copper deficiency is relatively uncommon but clinical signs of copper deficiency is an anemia that is unresponsive to iron therapy.

Excess copper is usually indicated by low zinc levels, insomnia, hair loss, irregular menses and depression.

Related Reading

Linus Pauling Institute - http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/copper/

Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in very small quantities. There are twenty two metallic elements in the body which make up about 4 percent of total body weight.

Minerals are found abundantly in the soil and water of the planet and eventually are taken in by the root systems of plants. Human beings obtain minerals by eating the plants or by eating the animals that eat the plants. If you eat a variety of meats and vegetables in your diet, you can usually depend on getting a sufficiency of minerals.

The minerals in the body play a part in variety of metabolic processes and contribute to the synthesis of such elements as glycogen, protein, and fats.

For the best sources of minerals please consult the USDA website.