Copper

Abstract

Over the past few years, a sustained interest has developed in trace element nutrition and metabolism as it relates to athletic performance. The current beliefs are that athletes require more minerals than a more sedentary individual, that athletes do not eat a balanced diet and that low consumption of some trace elements will worsen performance. Whether these beliefs have substance in fact is an ongoing debate. Of all the minerals covered in this volume concerned with athletic conditioning and performance, copper (Cu) may be one of the most important. It serves as an essential component of oxygen utilization and the antioxidant system, but at the same time, it can be toxic by initiating free-radical generation.