Which role does copper play in the human body?

Copper is essential for numerous physiological processes in the human body, and its primary roles include energy production and iron metabolism. Copper is a crucial component of several enzymes, known as cuproenzymes, that are involved in the electron transport chain—a series of reactions in mitochondria that generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells.

In addition to its role in energy production, copper is vital for iron metabolism. It assists in the conversion of iron into a form that can be effectively utilized for hemoglobin production in red blood cells. This balance is critical because an adequate supply of iron is necessary for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream, and copper’s involvement ensures that there is efficient use of iron.

While muscle contraction, bone density improvement, and insulin regulation are important physiological functions, they are not the primary roles associated with copper. Instead, these processes involve other minerals and vitamins. Copper's critical functions highlight its importance in maintaining overall health and metabolic processes in the body.