Final answer:
Copper nutrition involves its critical role in collagen synthesis and wound healing, as well as its importance in the metabolism of iron and the prevention of anemia. It is absorbed efficiently from the diet, at a higher rate than iron.
Step-by-step explanation:
One feature of copper nutrition is its involvement in collagen synthesis and wound healing. Copper plays a critical role in the formation of collagen and elastin, both of which are essential components of the connective tissue in the human body. An enzyme that requires copper facilitates the oxidation of lysine residues in collagen and elastin, enabling them to form the necessary cross-links that stabilize these structures. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, and other tissues, particularly in the context of wound healing.
Moreover, copper is a key component in plasma proteins such as hephaestin and ceruloplasmin. These proteins are necessary for the oxidation of iron from its ferrous form (Fe²+) to ferric (Fe³+), which is the form needed for proper binding to transferrin and subsequent transport to body cells for heme synthesis. In cases of copper deficiency, iron transport is disrupted, leading to anemia and accumulation of iron in tissues, which can cause organ damage.
Absorption efficiency of copper is substantial but varies, with about 30% to 50% of dietary copper being absorbed in the duodenum of healthy individuals. This contrasts with iron absorption, which is generally much lower at 2 to 5% in normal subjects. Thus, the absorption efficiency of copper is not similar to that of iron.