Copper assists the conversion of tyrosine to the pigment melanin, thereby giving hair, skin and eyes their coloring. Many enzymes contain copper, the most important being superoxide dismutase which is involved with oxygen free radical metabolism. Other functions of copper are less clearly understood but it is known that there is a relationship of these to copper. These roles include cholesterol metabolism, thermal regulation, immune function, glucose metabolism and cardiac function. Since 1928 it has been known that copper deficiency can lead to anemia and it is now linked to heart disease.
Copper deficiency can also lead to anemia, leukopenia and neutropenia.
Osteoporosis, arthritis, arterial disease, loss of pigmentation and neurological problems are also associated with low copper levels. Other deficiency states include reduced thyroid function, weakened immunity and skeletal defects. On the other hand, copper toxicity is probably more common than copper deficiency. Problems with copper toxicity include psychological depression and schizophrenia, senility, epilepsy, autism, anxiety states, poor memory, mental fatigue, and poor concentration. Persons with chronic ailments such as Parkinson's, TB, and hypertension have been found to have high blood copper levels.