Copper has several important functions in the body. It serves as a catalyst in the formation of hemoglobin even though hemoglobin doesn't actually contain copper. It is necessary for cell respiration because it is part of the cytochrome system. Copper as contained in the enzyme lysl oxidase is critical for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin which in turn are necessary for the creation of strong, flexible connective tissue. It therefore has a role in bone formation, skeletal mineralization and the integrity of the connective tissue in the cardiovascular system.
Copper plays a part in iron metabolism, but the exact mechanism is unclear.
It is required for the formation of the myelin sheath that covers the neurons and is critical to normal neurotransmission functions. 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.