Copper

Copper a trace mineral found in all plant and every tissue of the body, is essential for forming red blood cells � a key process if you're pregnant, when your blood supply doubles, though it is especially high in the liver, heart, kidney and brain. It is essential for the proper development and maintenance of the heart, arteries and blood vessels; the skeletal and nervous systems. Also, copper is used in the body to prevent anemia by controlling the storage and release of iron to form hemeglobin and healthy blood. In addition, it is essential for energy production. Copper also aids tissue growth, glucose metabolism, and growth of healthy hair. It also helps form a baby's heart, skeletal and nervous systems, arteries, and blood vessels. copper is another mineral essential for normal pregnancy outcome. Getting enough copper during pregnancy may be important for the baby's brain development

There can be little doubt that copper plays a major part in the rate of foetal growth and early post-natal development. It is likely that full-term infants are able to withstand the stresses of a mildly copper deficient diet for several months after birth, whereas, in contrast, premature infants with reduced storage of liver copper are much more likely to develop copper deficiency.

How much do I need?
There's no established recommended daily allowance for copper during pregnancy � 2 to 3 mg daily are considered safe for adults.

Copper defieciency during pregnancy results in numerous gross structural and biochemical abnormalitites that affect free-radical defenses, connective tissue metabolism, and energy production in fetal tissues. Even marginal copper deficiency might contribute to the more than 50% of human conceptions that fail to implant, the 30% that implant but fail to reach term, and the 3% of births with serious congenital malformations.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only.   This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice.  All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.