Iron and copper cause oxidative damage in liver

(NaturalNews) Both iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are necessary elements in the body and vital to numerous processes for good health. Iron, in particular, is known for its use in the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream, while copper is known for regulating processes in the reproductive, glandular and nervous system. However, they are only beneficial at low levels, and in proper balance.

Researchers from the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires conducted a telling study in the acute toxicity of these transitional metals, determining their role in several tell-tale signs of disease.

It concluded that iron and copper build-up in the liver create oxidative damage and greatly increase the rates of free radical reactions, which in turn damage organs and trigger health decline and disease.

Once toxic levels of these two elements reached overload capacities, the incidence of liver chemiluminescence - a sign of liver failure - increased several fold, four times for iron and two times for copper, while the rate of phospholipid peroxidation - which accompanies tissue damage - increased four times in iron and nearly two times (1.8) in copper.

Numerous other studies have also confirmed the toxicity of excess copper and iron, both in larger acute doses, and more significantly, in lower-level chronic doses, such as those consumed through diet. While this can occur through foods, disproportionate consumption of vitamins and nutritional supplements containing (frequently recommended) iron and copper may be more important in contributing to the problems of too much of these metallic elements. Copper can be more damaging when it comes in the inorganic form, which some people encounter through tainted drinking water.

Excess Iron Leads to Oxidation of Body Tissues, Organ Damage and Disease

Iron is needed by humans at different levels, with pregnant women using the most iron in the development and growth of the fetus, while children also need a great deal of iron (proportional to their size). Adult men also require less dietary iron than non-pregnant adult women, with the CDC recommending 27 mg/day for pregnant women, 7-10 mg/day for children, 8 mg/day for men and 18 mg/day for women, until they reach age 50.

Hemochromatosis - a severe iron overload - can occur, where excess iron stores in organs like the the heart and liver, contributing to oxidation and tissue damage in the body, as well as a number of diseases, symptoms of which include severe fatigue, early menopause, loss of sex drive, high blood sugar and diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, irregular heart beat and heart failure.

Too much iron is actually more common today than too little iron, in part as a result of government-sponsored programs to fortify a plethora of foods in grocery stores with additional iron.

Excess Copper Leads to Neurological Damage

Too much copper begins to accumulate in the brain and liver, as well as other secondary organs, and can lead to neurological disorders - which typically begins with mild cognitive dysfunction but can advance to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Copper toxicity can also trigger liver disease, cirrhosis and/or cancer (but first shows with signs of chronic fatigue) as well as disruptions to kidney, heart and glandular/hormonal function, and infertility.

The tendency toward excess copper is most marked in those with the genetic disorder known as Wilson's disease, who are most predisposed to bioaccumulate copper.

While there are recommended daily allowances for dietary copper intake of 220-700 mcg/day for children and 900 mcg/day for adults (and a slightly higher 1,000-1,300 mcg/day for pregnant and nursing women), most people in the Western world consume more than enough copper without effort.

The Competing Roles of Zinc, Iron and Copper in the Body

The essential mineral zinc competes for absorption with both copper and iron, including in blood transport, and higher levels of zinc have been found to suppress the negative reactions of copper overload. Some studies have focused on the association of high copper and lower zinc with anxiety and depression.

Other studies have shown the benefits of eating Spirulina in reducing copper toxicity, by aiding in its elimination from the body. The trace mineral molybdenum is also antagonistic and blocks copper absorption.

Iron absorption can be blocked by both zinc and manganese

What is vitamin B12 deficiency? What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 is vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue. If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency, also known as B12 deficiency, can lead to anemia, as well as nerve and brain damage, which may eventually become irreversible.People with B12 deficiency may eventually develop pernicious anemia, a type of blood disorder. Patients with pernicious anemia cannot produce enough IF (intrinsic factor) in their stomach. IF is needed so that the body can absorb vitamin B12. People with this blood disorder need to have vitamin B12 injections which go straight into their bloodstream, bypassing the stomach.Vitamin B12 also helps our bodies absorb folic acid, which facilitates the release of energy.According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition2, approximately 6% of people aged 60+ years are vitamin B12 deficient in the United Kingdom and the United States. Deficiency is much more common in developing countries, "starting in early life and persisting across life span."

Signs and symptomsA symptom is felt by the patient and reported to the doctor or people around them, while a sign can be detected by others. An example of a symptom is headache, while a skin rash or swelling are examples of signs.

For our cells to multiply properly, an adequate level of vitamin B12 is required. If this production goes down, your vitamin B12 levels are deficient, resulting in anemia.Vitamin deficiencies are slowly progressing; they may take several years to start affecting people. Initial signs and symptoms may be subtle, but in time, they become more noticeable.For our cells to multiply properly, an adequate level of vitamin B12 is required. The human body produces millions of red blood cells every minute. This production goes down if your vitamin B12 levels are deficient, resulting in anemia as the red blood cell count drops.The most common symptoms of anemia are: Fatigue (tiredness) Panting (shortness of breath) Palpitations (disagreeable sensations of irregular or heavy beating of the heart). B12 deficiency anemia may also be caused by a lack of intrinsic factor - pernicious anemia. The patient's digestive system cannot absorb B12 properly.Signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia may include: Fatigue Shortness of breath Palpitations.Anemia may also have the following signs and symptoms: A sore mouth or tongue Weight loss Pale or yellowish skin Diarrhea (sporadic) Menstrual problems Higher susceptibility to infections.If the deficiency continues untreated the patient may have the following neurological signs and symptoms: Tingling or numbness of the fingers Tingling or numbness of the toes General muscle weakness Difficulty walking properly (staggering) Irritability Confusion Forgetfulness Tender calves.How much is needed?According to the National Institutes of Health1, how much vitamin B12 you need per day depends on your age. Below are the average daily recommended amounts for different ages (in micrograms, mcg):Life StageRecommended Amount

Birth to 6 months0.4 mcg

Infants 7 to 12 months0.5 mcg

Children 1 to 3 years0.9 mcg

Children 4 to 8 years1.2 mcg

Children 9 to 13 years1.8 mcg

Teens 14 to 18 years2.4 mcg

Adults2.4 mcg

Pregnant teenagers and women2.6 mcg

Breastfeeding teenagers and women2.8 mcg

Risk of brain shrinkageElderly people with low-vitamin B12 are more likely to suffer from brain shrinkage and cognitive decline, scientists from Rush University Medical Center reported in Neurology (September 2012, issue).

Elderly people with low-vitamin B12 are more likely to suffer from brain shrinkage and cognitive decline.The team performed a study on 121 seniors, all aged 65 years or more. They took blood samples to check levels of vitamin B12 and B12-related metabolites, which can also help detect a deficiency. Their memories and other cognitive skills were also assessed.Fifty-two months later MRI scans were done of their brains to check their size, as well as to determine whether there were any signs of brain damage.The team found that those with four of five vitamin B12 deficiency markers were much more likely to have lower cognitive test scores and smaller total brain volumes.What are the causes?

Pernicious anemiaPernicious anemia is caused by an autoimmune disease; a person's own immune system attacks good parts of the body, as if they were bacteria or viruses. The immune system of patients with pernicious anemia creates antibodies which attack the lining of the stomach, damaging cells that produce intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a substance that is secreted by the gastric mucous membrane (lining of the stomach) and is vital for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. If the production of intrinsic factor is undermined, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed into the body properly. Bowel problemPatients with Crohn's disease, as well as people who have had their bowels surgically shortened, may have problems absorbing vitamin B12 into their bloodstream. Short bowel syndrome is a term used for people who have had their bowel shortened (half or more of their small intestine removed). Patients with short bowel syndrome typically experience diarrhea, cramping and heartburn. It is not uncommon for individuals to become malnourished because what is left of the small intestine cannot absorb adequate quantities of vitamins, water and other nutrients. Vegan dietSome people who follow a vegan diet may suffer from B12 deficiency if they do not eat fortified foods, or some types of yeast. Japanese and Italian scientists wrote in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry that vegetarians and vegans are much more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency. The human body cannot use the plant-based form of the vitamin, they explained. Chronic alcoholismChronic alcoholism may also be a cause of B12 deficiency, according to the National Library of Medicine3. How is it diagnosed?The primary care physician will interview the patient and carry out a physical examination, looking out for such signs as an accelerated pulse and pale or yellowish skin. Blood test - to determine whether the red blood cell count is low. The appearance of the red blood cells is also checked because they may have an unusual shape. A blood test can also determine what the level of B12 is. The doctor may also want to check the patient's blood intrinsic factor antibody levels, in order to determine whether a person has pernicious anemia. Bone marrow biopsy - the aim here is to rule out other possible causes of red cell abnormalities or anemia.Scientists from the University of Florida at Gainesville developed a non-invasive breath test to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency.What are the treatment options?Hydroxocobalamin injections - this is a form of B12. It is injected into a muscle every two to four days. After about six injections, the patient should have a good store of B12.In the majority of cases, the patient will notice significant improvements in symptoms soon after receiving injections.

Vegetarians who do not eat eggs, as well as vegans, should make sure their B12 intake is adequate. Annual blood tests are common, to monitor the success of treatment.Most patients require booster injections of B12 every three months for the rest of their lives.Preventing the deficiency Vegans and some vegetarians - vegetarians who do not eat eggs, as well as vegans, should make sure their B12 intake is adequate. There are various breakfast cereals which are fortified with vitamin B12. Some brands of nutritional yeast are also good sources of B12. Some types of soy milk are fortified with B12. According to Patrick J. Skerrett, Executive Editor, Harvard Health4, a standard multivitamin contains 6 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is more than enough to cover an average person's daily requirement.

People who eat meat or fish - a balanced diet containing fish, meat and dairy foods should have enough B12 for human requirements. There is no way to prevent pernicious anemia caused by an autoimmune condition.